Local governments are increasingly being asked to lead in shaping connected, inclusive and liveable communities – yet our structures and systems are often not designed to support this kind of integrated, place-based work. Drawing on recent experience in property and construction delivery, this presentation explores the practical realities of working across internal silos and engaging communities meaningfully in planning and design processes.
What does it really take to collaborate across functions like engineering, planning, community development and property services? What helps – and what hinders – when we try to embed lived experience and local insight into built form outcomes? This session will offer grounded reflections from local government practice, highlighting opportunities for more regenerative, responsive, and people-centred approaches to infrastructure planning and delivery.
Participants will walk away with practical insights on building cross-functional partnerships, designing with – not for – community, and navigating the complexity of place-based transformation in a system that wasn’t built for it.