Planning Xchange

In PX46, Jess Noonan and Peter Jewell interview Doctor Elizabeth Taylor (Liz) about her book, 'Dry Zones: Planning and the Hangovers of Liquor Licensing History' published by Palgrave MacMillan. Liz has used analytical research methods to chart the rise of 'local control' over alcohol outlets and how this in turn led to early forms of what we now known as planning controls. Many of the examples of the past now repeat themselves with modern day contested planning issues. Liz is a Research Fellow at RMIT. Along with David Nichols (Melbourne University) she produces 'This Must be the Place', a podcast series that considers contemporary and historical planning issues. Liz and David were interviewed in PX38 which was released in June 2018. Podcast released 4 February 2019. Technical production by Zak Willsallen of Complete Podcast Services. For more information visit www.planningxchange.org.

In PX45, Jess Noonan and Peter Jewell interview author David Sornig about his new book 'Blue Lake'. David has researched the history and stories of the former 'Blue Lake', so named for its beauty by early colonists, through the area's spoilation and re-use. Known as 'Dudley Flats' the area adjacent the Melbourne CBD was for many years an 'outside' area with various squatter camps and lower end activities such as rubbish dumps, freight yards and docks. Very different to 'respectable Melbourne' the area gained a certain reputation as an area outside control and representing 'the other'. David weaves amongst the historical narrative the stories of three very different 'fringe dwellers'. This book is likely to win many awards for its moving description of the place and its people. A 'psycho-geographic' journey through a strange land. Podcast released 24 January 2019. Technical production by Zak Willsallen of Complete Podcast Services. For more information go to www.planningxchange.org

In PX44 Jess Noonan and Peter Jewell interview long term journalist and author Peter Mares on his new book 'No Place Like Home: Repairing Australia's Housing Crisis'. Peter discusses many aspects of housing and points to historical expectations and the new reality. The discussion identifies those disadvantaged by the new housing paradigm and offers a variety of solutions. Much debate followed Bernard Slat's 'smashed avo' article. 'No Place Like Home' provides a follow up and is a refreshing discussion on contemporary housing issues. Podcast released 10 January 2019. Technical production by Zak Willsallen of Complete Podcast Services. For more information visit www.planningxchange.org.

In PX43, Jess Noonan and Peter Jewell interview Damian IIes. Damian is a Director at Hansen Partnership, a Melbourne based multidisciplinary urban consulting firm. Damian is in the middle of his career having worked for over 18 years in government and the private sector. Damian was recently involved in the 'Launch' social housing project that utilized vacant government land to house the homeless in portable high-quality accommodation. He talks of this process and the lessons it has for approaches to affordable and 'step up' housing. Other topics include bringing more diverse outcomes into development outcomes. Podcast released December 2018. Technical production by Zak Willsallen of Complete Podcast Services. For more information go to www.planningxchange.org.

In PX42, Jess Noonan and Peter Jewell interview Pru Goward. Pru is the New South Wales Minister for Family and Community Services, Minister for Social Housing and Minister for the Prevention of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault. An earlier portfolio including Minister for Planning. Prior to entering Parliament Pru served as Australia's Sex Discrimination Commissioner. An economist by training and a broadcaster by practice, Pru spent 19 years with the ABC where she received many awards including a special Walkey Award, journalism's highest honour. This interview includes discussion on the need for bravery in public policy and the need for fresh ideas that are ideology free. Also that we should have high expectations on what Government can achieve. Podcast released 28 October 2018. Technical production by Zak Willsallen of Complete Podcast Services. For more information go to www.planningxchange.org

In PX41, Jess Noonan and Peter Jewell interview David Bissell about his recently published book Transit Life - How Commuting is Transforming Our Cities (MIT Press). David is Associate Professor and Australian Research Council Future Fellow at the School of Geography, Melbourne University. In prepartion for the book, David undertook extensive field research and comprehensively reviewed previously published works. He brings new insights on how 'the commute' is changing citizens. The commute is a separate space in citizens lives and too often treated poorly. He identifies new means and approaches to making life better within these jorneys. Fresh and insightful, Transit Life brings humanity to a sometimes dry analysis of commuting times and means. The podcast interview includes discussions on the 'commute corridor' and how authorities, designers and practitioners can improve this space/sphere. Podcast released 31 August 2018. Technical production by Zak Willsallen of Complete Podcast Services. For more information go to www.planningxchange.org

In PX40, Jess Noonan and Peter Jewell interview Ged Hart the founder of TOM (Total Outdoor Media). Ged talks about the role of outdoor advertising within urban and regional areas. He talks of the broader role played by the medium not often appreciated, that is of a public messaging outlet for public wellbeing campaigns. Ged a long standing veteran of outdoor talks of the digital technology that is transforming the industry. Outdoor advertising is often a maligned aspect of the urban environment dismissed by many in the planning and design professions. Ged discusses the cultural association of outdoor in the popular psyche and argues that the 'creative' display on outdoor billboards is akin to public art. He makes the case that outdoor can co-exist with pleasant urban spaces. The demise of 'traditional media' and the rise and partnering of outdoor with new outlets of advertising (Google, Facebook and Instagram) is raised. A fascinating discussion on an aspect of city life rarely discussed in urban planning. Podcast released 28 July 2018. Technical production by Zak Willsallen of Complete Podcast Services. For more information go to www.planningxchange.org.

In PX39 Jess Noonan and Peter Jewell interview landscape architect Tim Vernon of the CDA Design Group. Tim talks about the changes since he started work in the 1980's, the influence of travel, sources of inspiration and the contemporary challenges (and joys) of landscape architecture. Podcast released 6 July 2018. Technical production by Zak Willsallen of Complete Podcast Services. For more information go to www.planningxchange.org

In PX38, Jess Noonan and Peter Jewell interview Dr Elizabeth Taylor (RMIT) and David Nichols (Melb. Uni). Elizabeth and David produce 'This Must be the Place', an urban planning/history podcast also produced in Melbourne. In this 'cross interview' with our podcasting 'cousins' we talk about the divide between the academic world of planning and the 'practising' world of planning. The discussion ranges across the different spheres of planning and how academic research can be made more relevant and applied to the practising world of planning. Discussions also include observations on the pressures within the academic world and the nature of contemporary students, finishing off with an outlook on how technology is changing the workplace and world. Podcast released 5 June 2018. Technical production by Zak Willsallen of Complete Podcast Services. For more information go to www.planningxchange.org.

IN PX37, Jess Noonan and Peter Jewell interview Brett Davis - Executive Director Regional Victoria of the Victorian Planning Authority. Brett discusses the particular issues and merits of regional planning. He also discusses his experiences as a Panel Member sitting in judgement of planning proposals at Planning Panels Victoria. Brett has worked at different levels of government and in private practice. A strong advocate of the value of town planning in making the life of citzens better. Podcast released 2 May 2018. Technical production by Zak Willsallen of Complete Podcast Services. For more information about the PX series go to www.planningxchange.org.