Town planner
What does a town planner do?
Have you ever wondered, what is town planning and what does a town planner do? They help shape the towns and cities we live in as a town planner (also known as an urban planner, city planner, or urban and regional planner). In this profession, you would use your expertise to create equitable, liveable, and sustainable spaces. Urban planning involves creating plans and policies to help cities grow while considering challenges such as traffic flow, environmental impact, social equality, and urban sprawl.
Your day-to-day as a town planner could involve analysing data to help make informed decisions about development, creating city plans, and collaborating with stakeholders (such as government, community members, and local businesses). Town planning jobs can be found in government agencies, private consulting firms, or not-for-profit organisations.
Is town planning right for me?
If you enjoy designing spaces and are passionate about community, you might like working in city planning. Successful city planners typically have strong attention to detail, high ethical standards, an innovative mindset and the ability to manage competing priorities and resolve conflicts.
Other skills and attributes suitable for this profession include:
An ability to analyse and interpret information.
Creative expression, storytelling and original thinking.
Effective time-management and prioritisation skills.
Problem-solving and decision-making
The ability to identify issues, evaluate options, and make informed decisions.
An ability to work effectively and collaborate with a range of stakeholders.
Proficiency in using technology, digital tools, and relevant software.
How to become a town planner
There are several ways to build a career in town planning. Many professionals start their path to becoming a city and town planner with a bachelor's degree. After gaining a qualification in town planning, you may need to complete further industry and practical experience through research projects and internships.
Here is one way you could get started:
- Complete a bachelor’s degree in urban and regional planning, town planning or a related discipline.
- Develop your knowledge of planning principles, sustainable development, legislation and land use.
- Build practical skills through research projects, work-integrated learning or internships.
- Gain experience working with communities, government, industry and other stakeholders on planning and development projects.
- Continue developing your professional knowledge and industry experience as you progress your career.
Accreditation and qualifications
Completing a recognised planning qualification and pursuing accreditation through the Planning Institute of Australia (PIA), although not essential, can help strengthen your professional credentials and career opportunities.
How long does it take to become a town planner?
The time it takes to become a town planner, or urban planner can vary depending on factors such as your educational background, training requirements, and employment opportunities.
It's common to begin a town planner career through a three or four-year bachelor degree, if studying full-time. However, some students choose to study part-time, which increases the time it takes to finish the required courses. Gaining practical experience through undertaking internships, volunteer work, or research projects factors into the overall timeline of how long it takes to become a town planner.
Start your journey with UniSQ
Prepare for a career in town planning by developing analytical, strategic and problem-solving skills through related study areas that support the planning and development of sustainable, liveable communities.
Responsibilities and work settings
Analysing data and developing proposals to inform planning decisions.
Developing plans and policies for sustainable, liveable and well-connected communities.
Assessing factors, such as land use, transport, environmental impact and community needs.
Collaborating with government, community members, businesses and other stakeholders on planning and development projects.
Government agencies, departments and councils
Construction and infrastructure companies
Engineering consultancies
Environmental and sustainability organisations
Aviation, transport and logistics organisations
Town planner FAQs
Town planners work with developers, government agencies and local communities to balance environmental, social and economic needs, while helping create sustainable, functional and liveable places for people to live, work and visit.
A typical workday might involve reviewing plans for a new housing development in the morning, meeting with developers and community stakeholders to discuss a proposed project, conducting a site inspection in the afternoon, and preparing reports or recommendations for council decision-makers.
Related careers
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