Motivations, expectations and experiences of Australian rural and regional planners

E Miller; T Sahama; P Grace; C Wilson; Michael Hefferan

doi:10.1080/07293682.2011.608688

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Motivations, expectations and experiences of Australian rural and regional planners

Journal article

Peer reviewed

Motivations, expectations and experiences of Australian rural and regional planners

E Miller, T Sahama, P Grace, C Wilson and Michael Hefferan

Australian Planner, Vol.48(4), pp.305-312

2011

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/07293682.2011.608688

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Abstract

rural and regional planners

work experiences

education

Despite playing an extremely important role in shaping communities, the role and contribution of planners is not widely understood or acknowledged. At the same time, there is a shortage of planners in Australia, especially in non-urban areas. Thus, through an online survey of 185 rural and regional planners, this research explores the motivations, expectations and experiences of these planners. Most enjoyed and felt confident in their role, explaining that they valued the relaxed family orientated rural lifestyle and the varied nature of the planning work. Although they sometimes felt isolated, the non-urban location provided quicker progression to senior roles, the ability to engage directly with the community and to see the consequences of their decisions. Only half felt their education had prepared them well for their role, citing gaps in terms of computerised modelling, team leadership and conflict resolution skills. Their feedback centred on providing a more practical course, focusing more on regional planning, and encouraging urban and rural experience placements. As the first study to quantifiably explore rural and regional Australian planners' perceptions of their role and challenges, the findings illustrate current experiences, key planning challenges, perceived educational gaps and future priorities.

Details

Title: Motivations, expectations and experiences of Australian rural and regional planners
Authors: E Miller (Author) - Queensland University of Technology
T Sahama (Author) - Queensland University of Technology
P Grace (Author) - Queensland University of Technology
C Wilson (Author) - Queensland University of Technology
Michael Hefferan (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast - Faculty of Arts and Business
Publication details: Australian Planner, Vol.48(4), pp.305-312
Publisher: Routledge
Date published: 2011
DOI: 10.1080/07293682.2011.608688
ISSN: 0729-3682
Organisation Unit: University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland; USC Business School - Legacy
Language: English
Record Identifier: 99449521802621
Output Type: Journal article

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Collaboration types: Domestic collaboration
Web Of Science research areas: Regional & Urban Planning

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