18 April 2024
Hi all,
The NSW Executive wants to express how saddened we are about the recent events at Bondi and pass on our heartfelt thoughts to families, friends and colleagues of those who lost their lives, were injured and/or caught up in what can only be described as an extremely sad day for NSW. Like you all, we are shocked by what has occurred and are still coming to terms with the impact of the attack.
Over the past month the NSW Executive has continued to strongly advocate for the membership with the continued engagement with industry bodies and responses to recent policy proposals. Most notably, with input from both Advocacy and Heritage Committees, we submitted a response to the ‘Strategic Planning Reform -Transport Orientated Development Program’ outlining the importance of connected public space within the diversification of housing stock around key transport precincts in NSW. AILA acknowledged the key challenges within the current NSW planning policy structure and supported the introduction of policy reform that encourages greater diversity of housing stock and greater social equity. Whilst the diversity of stock is considered positive, AILA stressed that it must not result in/lead to poor quality open space and public domain, loss of heritage landscapes and degradation of green infrastructure that risks increased climatic impacts.
Looking to the month ahead, Members of the NSW Executive are meeting for site walks with Minister for Planning and Public Space, the Hon. Paul Scully, on the 2nd May. These walks will focus on benchmark precincts that have achieved increased housing density that has been underpinned by the profession of Landscape Architecture with the intent to further reinforce the critical need for Landscape Architects to be leading the planning design and delivery of precincts.
As we move into the awards season, please be sure to make note of the key dates and plan ahead for the AILA NSW awards night which is set to be a celebration of some fantastic projects and is a chance to connect with one another. Key dates as follows:
· 18 April 2024 - Awards night early bird tickets go on sale
· 30 May 2024 – Entries reveal
· 27 June – AILA NSW awards night
To find out more about upcoming events please visit out events page and be sure to check AILA NSW on social media streams.
Until next time, please stay safe and do reach out to the NSW Executive if you have any questions or potential initiatives that you would like to raise.
Cheers,
Jason Cuffe
AILA NSW Executive Committee Member