The Faculty of the Built Environment (FBE), Planning Program Head, Associate Professor Susan Thompson wins the prestigious Planning Institute of Australia 2008 Award for Excellence for the contribution her latest book brings to the industry.
“In many ways this book is one of the most significant projects I have ever been involved in during my academic career”, said Associate Professor Susan Thompson.
“I hope that Planning Australia will inspire the next generation of planners to work to meet the needs of communities in ways that protect their environments for future generations”, she added.
Planning Australia: an overview of Urban and Regional Planning is the first comprehensive Australian planning text to be written in over 30 years. The book provides a comprehensive and interdisciplinary view of the major issues and activities that occupy planning practitioners today.
“This award is a testament to Susan’s life-long dedication to teaching innovative planning, and her investigation of the sustainable application of planning to create healthier and more people-centered cities”, said Professor Peter Murphy, Dean FBE.
The award not only recognises Susan Thompson’s expertise within the planning discipline, but also the proficiency of the Faculty, with almost all chapters authored by FBE academics and practising planners who are sessional lectures.
The book, along with the Planning Program at the FBE, reflects the shifting and newer concerns about the environment, culturally diverse communities, and the participatory involvement of government in the processes and outcomes of planning.
Congratulations to everyone who contributed to Planning Australia, which will be held in high regard by the planning profession in Australia for many years to come.
