Students

GSE 818 – Environmental Planning

2014 – S1 Evening

General Information

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Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit Convenor
Peter Davies
peter.davies@mq.edu.au
Contact via peter.davies@mq.edu.au
609 E7A
Credit points Credit points
4
Prerequisites Prerequisites
Admission to MEnv or PGDipEnv or PGCertEnv or MEnvEd or PGDipEnvEd or PGCertEnvEd or MEngMgt or MEnvMgt or PGCertEnvMgt or MEnvStud or PGDipEnvStud or MEnvPlan or MEnvSc or MSusDev or PGDipSusDev or PGCertSusDev or MWldMgt or PGDipWldMgt or PGCertWldMgt or MMarScMgt or MSc in Remote Sensing and GIS or PGDipSc in Remote Sensing and GIS or PGCertSc in Remote Sensing and GIS
Corequisites Corequisites
Co-badged status Co-badged status
Unit description Unit description
This unit gives students a detailed understanding of the origins and current issues that structure practice in environmental planning. Students are introduced to the history of planning and its intersection with environmental thought. By the end of the unit students will be able to recognise different theories of planning; identify the structure of planning systems; show how current issues such as climate change impinge on planning; and produce a professional planning communication document.

Important Academic Dates

Information about important academic dates including deadlines for withdrawing from units are available at https://www.mq.edu.au/study/calendar-of-dates

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:

  • Provide a substantive understanding of what is meant by environmental planning and how to apply relevant principles
  • Understand and critically assess structures of planning law and policy witin the decision-making process
  • Identify the roles of various stakeholders in the environmental planning decisions and their influence on outcomes
  • Understand how environmental planning policies are developed at a local, regional and metropolitan scale
  • Gained presentation skills for briefing industry peers.

Assessment Tasks

Name Weighting Due
Media article 15% March 26
Planning submission 20% 9 April
Urban design guideline 25% 30 April
Applying planning law 25% 11 June
Tutorial presentation 15% From week 4 onwards

Media article

Due: March 26
Weighting: 15%

Using an evidenced based approach prepare a media article discussing the merits of suburban and apartment living. The starting point for the article is based on previous reports in the Sydney Morning Hearald and the evidence presented by the authors. From this you will undertake your own review of the literature and provide a balanced perspective of the issues and merits of low density and higher density housing and how this can shape the future of Sydney
On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Provide a substantive understanding of what is meant by environmental planning and how to apply relevant principles
  • Understand and critically assess structures of planning law and policy witin the decision-making process
  • Identify the roles of various stakeholders in the environmental planning decisions and their influence on outcomes
  • Understand how environmental planning policies are developed at a local, regional and metropolitan scale

Planning submission

Due: 9 April
Weighting: 20%

Prepare a submission to government on a draft policy or the Planning Assessment Commission on a project under review
On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Provide a substantive understanding of what is meant by environmental planning and how to apply relevant principles
  • Understand and critically assess structures of planning law and policy witin the decision-making process
  • Identify the roles of various stakeholders in the environmental planning decisions and their influence on outcomes
  • Understand how environmental planning policies are developed at a local, regional and metropolitan scale

Urban design guideline

Due: 30 April
Weighting: 25%

Undertake a review of the literature on shared pathways or transit oriented development and prepare site specific design guidelines based on theory and practice
On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Provide a substantive understanding of what is meant by environmental planning and how to apply relevant principles
  • Understand and critically assess structures of planning law and policy witin the decision-making process
  • Identify the roles of various stakeholders in the environmental planning decisions and their influence on outcomes
  • Understand how environmental planning policies are developed at a local, regional and metropolitan scale

Applying planning law

Due: 11 June
Weighting: 25%

Analyse and demonstrate your understanding of the legal and policy frameworks that relate to a current  environmental planning issue 
On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Provide a substantive understanding of what is meant by environmental planning and how to apply relevant principles
  • Understand and critically assess structures of planning law and policy witin the decision-making process
  • Identify the roles of various stakeholders in the environmental planning decisions and their influence on outcomes
  • Understand how environmental planning policies are developed at a local, regional and metropolitan scale

Tutorial presentation

Due: From week 4 onwards
Weighting: 15%

Students will be divided into groups of 3 and are required to present and lead a tutorial discussion on the lecture and readings
On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Provide a substantive understanding of what is meant by environmental planning and how to apply relevant principles
  • Identify the roles of various stakeholders in the environmental planning decisions and their influence on outcomes
  • Understand how environmental planning policies are developed at a local, regional and metropolitan scale
  • Gained presentation skills for briefing industry peers.

Delivery and Resources

Classes: GSE818 is available in internal mode in Semester 1. Attendance and participation in workshops are compulsory.   

Lectures and Tutorials: 

Wednesdays 6.30pm-9.30pm (3 hours)

Room: EMC - G240

Required and recommended reading: There are a number of general texts covering the subject matter of this course, and the important ones are listed below. None is required to be purchased by students.

It is, however, highly recommended that you a general one of the general texts on environmental planning and law such as:

Farrier, D. and Stein, P, 2011 The Environmental Law Handbook (5th edition) Redfern UNSW Sydney, or

 Lyster R., Lipman. Z., Franklin. N., Wiffen. G., Pearson. L, 2009 Environmental and Planning Law in New South Wales, Federation Press.

 Students will be required to access key NSW legislative provisions covered in the unit:

·         Environmental Planning and Assessment Act, 1979 as amended;

·         Environmental Planning and Assessment Regulation, 2000.

Copies of this legislation (including all amendments) are available at: http://www.legislation.nsw.gov.au. 

The Department of Planning and Infrastructure web site is also an important reference point http://www.planning.nsw.gov.au.

A Reader has been prepared for the course provides copies and or references to other key readings that students will need to complete to participate in tutorials.

Technology used and required

Access to the Internet and regular access to the unit’s ILearn website is recommended in GSE818. ILearn will be used to communicate with students outside of class, provide links to relevant information and legislation, and post updates on assessments and other tasks. 

Unit Schedule

Wk

Date

Lectures

Tutorials/Assessment Dates

1

5 March

 

Introduction to the history of urban and regional planning

Overview of course and assessments

2

12  March

 

Strategic planning and policy and its role in environmental planning

Application of LEPs and DCPs

 3

 19  March

Sustainability within urban and regional planning

Merit based assessment

4

26 March

 

Making places for people: University Master Plan

Place making site visit to courtyard and University grounds (related to assessment 3)

Assessment 1 due

5

2 April

The master planning process

Site analysis and interpretation

6

9  April

Understanding urban form, character and housing density

Housing density and lot configuration 

Assessment 2 due: Presentation

7

16 April

Mid semester break

 

8

23 April

Mid semester break

 

9

30 April

Transport planning in Sydney and Transit orientated development

Assessment 3 due

Presentation

10

7 May

Bushfire protection and urban land use

 

Applying the rules in planning for bushfire protection for asset clearing and setbacks

Presentation

11

 14 May

Mining and coal seam gas

Risks and benefits

Presentation

12

 21  May

Climate change and its impact on urban and regional planning 

Adaptation planning for planners

Presentation 

13

 28 May

 

Planning for healthy communities

Design criteria

Presentation

14

4 June

 Sustainable design and green buildings

BASIX

Presentation

15

11 June

To be advised

Assessment 4 due

Learning and Teaching Activities

Lectures

Lectures from staff and guest lectures from those practising in the environmental planning field

Tutorials

Academic and student lead tutorial discussions based on readings and reflective practice

Field visit

Site visits (within campus as part of tutorials and externally for assessments) examining how environmental planning concepts can inform practical guidelines

Personal reading

Reading of academic journals and industry reports

Presentations

Student presentations based on unit content and reflective reading and case studies

Policies and Procedures

Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central. Students should be aware of the following policies in particular with regard to Learning and Teaching:

Academic Honesty Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/academic_honesty/policy.html

Assessment Policy  http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/assessment/policy.html

Grading Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/grading/policy.html

Grade Appeal Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/gradeappeal/policy.html

Grievance Management Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/grievance_management/policy.html

Disruption to Studies Policy http://www.mq.edu.au/policy/docs/disruption_studies/policy.html The Disruption to Studies Policy is effective from March 3 2014 and replaces the Special Consideration Policy.

In addition, a number of other policies can be found in the Learning and Teaching Category of Policy Central.

Student Code of Conduct

Macquarie University students have a responsibility to be familiar with the Student Code of Conduct: https://students.mq.edu.au/support/student_conduct/

Student Support

Macquarie University provides a range of support services for students. For details, visit http://students.mq.edu.au/support/

Learning Skills

Learning Skills (mq.edu.au/learningskills) provides academic writing resources and study strategies to improve your marks and take control of your study.

Student Services and Support

Students with a disability are encouraged to contact the Disability Service who can provide appropriate help with any issues that arise during their studies.

Student Enquiries

For all student enquiries, visit Student Connect at ask.mq.edu.au

IT Help

For help with University computer systems and technology, visit http://informatics.mq.edu.au/help/. 

When using the University's IT, you must adhere to the Acceptable Use Policy. The policy applies to all who connect to the MQ network including students.

Graduate Capabilities

PG - Discipline Knowledge and Skills

Our postgraduates will be able to demonstrate a significantly enhanced depth and breadth of knowledge, scholarly understanding, and specific subject content knowledge in their chosen fields.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Provide a substantive understanding of what is meant by environmental planning and how to apply relevant principles
  • Understand and critically assess structures of planning law and policy witin the decision-making process
  • Identify the roles of various stakeholders in the environmental planning decisions and their influence on outcomes
  • Gained presentation skills for briefing industry peers.

Assessment tasks

  • Media article
  • Planning submission
  • Tutorial presentation

PG - Critical, Analytical and Integrative Thinking

Our postgraduates will be capable of utilising and reflecting on prior knowledge and experience, of applying higher level critical thinking skills, and of integrating and synthesising learning and knowledge from a range of sources and environments. A characteristic of this form of thinking is the generation of new, professionally oriented knowledge through personal or group-based critique of practice and theory.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Provide a substantive understanding of what is meant by environmental planning and how to apply relevant principles
  • Understand and critically assess structures of planning law and policy witin the decision-making process
  • Identify the roles of various stakeholders in the environmental planning decisions and their influence on outcomes
  • Gained presentation skills for briefing industry peers.

Assessment tasks

  • Planning submission
  • Tutorial presentation

PG - Research and Problem Solving Capability

Our postgraduates will be capable of systematic enquiry; able to use research skills to create new knowledge that can be applied to real world issues, or contribute to a field of study or practice to enhance society. They will be capable of creative questioning, problem finding and problem solving.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Assessment task

  • Planning submission

PG - Effective Communication

Our postgraduates will be able to communicate effectively and convey their views to different social, cultural, and professional audiences. They will be able to use a variety of technologically supported media to communicate with empathy using a range of written, spoken or visual formats.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Identify the roles of various stakeholders in the environmental planning decisions and their influence on outcomes
  • Gained presentation skills for briefing industry peers.

Assessment tasks

  • Urban design guideline
  • Tutorial presentation

PG - Engaged and Responsible, Active and Ethical Citizens

Our postgraduates will be ethically aware and capable of confident transformative action in relation to their professional responsibilities and the wider community. They will have a sense of connectedness with others and country and have a sense of mutual obligation. They will be able to appreciate the impact of their professional roles for social justice and inclusion related to national and global issues

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Identify the roles of various stakeholders in the environmental planning decisions and their influence on outcomes
  • Gained presentation skills for briefing industry peers.

Assessment task

  • Urban design guideline

PG - Capable of Professional and Personal Judgment and Initiative

Our postgraduates will demonstrate a high standard of discernment and common sense in their professional and personal judgment. They will have the ability to make informed choices and decisions that reflect both the nature of their professional work and their personal perspectives.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Provide a substantive understanding of what is meant by environmental planning and how to apply relevant principles
  • Identify the roles of various stakeholders in the environmental planning decisions and their influence on outcomes

Assessment tasks

  • Media article
  • Planning submission
  • Urban design guideline