MasterPlan

A day in the life at MasterPlan 👀

Come along with Vanda for a look behind the scenes at a typical day in our Adelaide office, and what life as an emerging planner at MasterPlan looks like.

Dark skies are becoming a bright opportunity for regional Australia.

As light pollution grows in cities, travellers are increasingly seeking places where they can experience the Milky Way, stargazing, astrophotography and the quiet wonder of a truly dark night sky.

Regional Australia has a natural advantage: vast open landscapes, low population density and clear skies. Destinations such as South Australia’s River Murray International Dark Sky Reserve show how protecting darkness can support tourism, local accommodation, hospitality, guided experiences and longer visitor stays.

Dark sky tourism also aligns with sustainable travel. Better lighting reduces energy use, protects nocturnal wildlife and helps communities preserve a unique natural asset.

For regional towns, the opportunity is simple but powerful: the night sky is not just scenery. It is an experience, a reason to visit, and a growing tourism product.

As travellers search for authentic, nature-based experiences, regional Australia’s darkest skies may become one of its brightest economic opportunities.

MasterPlan has successfully secured Planning Consent at the City of Adelaide’s Council Assessment Panel this week.

The proposal will deliver two thoughtfully designed three-storey dwellings on Wilson Street, transforming an underutilised site within Adelaide’s vibrant East End.

The design response carefully considers the established character of the surrounding area, which features a mix of apartment developments of up to six storeys alongside single- and two-storey terrace dwellings. Particular attention was given to managing potential impacts on neighbouring low-rise properties, including bulk, overlooking and overshadowing.

The result is a considered development that will positively contribute to both the Wilson Street and Tomsey Court streetscapes, incorporating distinctive architectural elements, a refined material palette and substantial landscaping.

Congratulations to the project team and our valued client, Eminent Homes, on this successful outcome!

MasterPlan is pleased to have secured planning approval for this exciting commercial development in Tanunda, which will bring together a fresh food market, café, boutique retail tenancies, and an upper-level restaurant and bar.

The development has been carefully designed to create an inviting destination, featuring outdoor dining, landscaped communal spaces, and high-quality materials, including stone, timber, precast concrete, and Colorbond finishes, which will complement the Murray Street character and streetscape.

This proposal required careful collaboration to resolve parking constraints, achieve a design that respected the historic importance of Tanunda, and refine the architecture so it responded to the existing pattern of development and local character. Through close engagement with Council staff and its heritage advisor, we were able to address concerns raised during public notification and deliver a balanced planning outcome that supports commercial activity in Tanunda, while respecting the qualities that make the area unique.

The hard-working project team included:

Architect: JBG Architects
Engineering: Triaxial Consulting
Traffic: Frank Siow & Associates
Acoustics: Sonus
Arborist: Project Green Group
Waste Management: Rawtec

Planning Scheme Update | Northern Territory

The Northern Territory Government has released a proposed amendment to the Northern Territory Planning Scheme 2020 affecting land within Zone LR (Low Density Residential).

The proposed changes include:

• Reducing the minimum allotment size to 450m²

• Expanding the range of housing types permitted, including duplexes and townhouses

• Allowing battle-axe allotments within Zone LR

The proposed amendment is now on public exhibition, with submissions open until 21 August 2026.

Whether you're a landowner, developer or neighbouring property owner, it's important to understand how these proposed changes may affect you. Our Northern Territory planning team can assess the implications, provide strategic advice, and prepare submissions on your behalf during the consultation period.

Have a question or want to make a submission? Contact our Northern Territory office today.

[email protected]
(08) 8942 8546

Today, we’re introducing the new MasterPlan.

Our refreshed brand is a clearer expression of who we are, what we stand for, and the role we play in helping clients navigate planning and development projects.

Since 1977, we’ve partnered with clients, consultants and project teams to provide strategic insight, practical advice, and trusted support through every stage of the project journey.

That is not changing.

While our look has evolved, the foundations of our business remain unchanged. The same experienced team, the same considered advice and the same commitment to integrity. The same focus on helping clients move from vision to realisation with clarity and confidence.

This next chapter reflects MasterPlan with greater clarity, confidence and purpose.

Master your vision with MasterPlan.