PIA WA

Perth has recently been recognised as one of the World’s Top 20 Most Liveable Cities. But what does “liveability” actually mean, and what would it take for Perth to become one of the very best places in the world to live?

This RAC WA Horizons podcast explores the relationship between urban planning, transport, housing and community, examining how cities are designed for people to move, connect and thrive. Rather than simply celebrating a ranking, the conversation asks whether Perth should be chasing a #1 title or focusing on becoming the best possible city for the people who call it home.

Host: Ruth Callaghan
Guests: Alix Oaks - RAC Manager Transport Planning & Policy / Cameron Leckey- Founder / Director at Rise Urban and State President of the Planning Institute of Australia (WA).

Perth has recently been recognised as one of the World’s Top 20 Most Liveable Cities. But what does “liveability” actually mean, and what would it take for Perth to become one of the very best places in the world to live?

This RAC WA Horizons podcast explores the relationship between urban planning, transport, housing and community, examining how cities are designed for people to move, connect and thrive. Rather than simply celebrating a ranking, the conversation asks whether Perth should be chasing a #1 title or focusing on becoming the best possible city for the people who call it home.

Host: Ruth Callaghan
Guests: Alix Oaks - RAC Manager Transport Planning & Policy / Cameron Lecky - Founder / Director at Rise Urban and State President of the Planning Institute of Australia (WA).

By the Numbers: PIA WA State Conference 2026
270+ registrations and counting - join the conversation today.

Thanks to our speakers and sponsors for being part of the conversation and helping make the day a success.

Town of Victoria Park, Emerge Associates, WAPC, DevelopmentWA, Lavan, Rise Urban, CLE Town Planning + Design, Moharich & More - Planning + Environment Law, City of Kwinana, Curtin University, Planned Cover

Category Spotlight | PIA WA Awards for Planning Excellence

The PIA WA Awards for Planning Excellence recognise the people, projects and processes that are creating positive change across Western Australia.

Shining a light on three more award categories that celebrate planning excellence.

WA Regional Project
This category recognises outstanding planning projects undertaken by a State Agency, Local Government, Community Group or Consultancy in
an area outside of the Perth Metropolitan Region.
The project could be a policy, a plan, or a new project in its own right.

Transport Planning Project (NEW CATEGORY)
This award recognises exemplary transport planning projects that demonstrate outstanding vision, innovation and leadership in advancing
sustainable, efficient, equitable and integrated mobility outcomes.

Leadership and Service Award sponsored by Longreach Recruitment
This category celebrates the leadership and service of a planning professional who exhibits an outstanding level of commitment to the planning profession in WA.

Do you know a project, initiative or team that deserves recognition? Now is the time to celebrate the planning work shaping WA’s future.

Submit your nomination for the PIA WA Awards for Planning Excellence and showcase excellence in planning.

A first-of-its-kind conversation for the built environment: Join us this October

The built environment is evolving and the conversations we have today will help shape the profession of tomorrow.

The Industry Equity Lunch is a first-of-its-kind event bringing together Planning Institute Australia UDIA WA (WA) and the Property Council of Australia for a practical conversation about equity across our sector.

Held at the newly redeveloped WACA Ground, the event will bring together senior leaders, practitioners, emerging professionals and commentators from across planning, property, development, government and allied industries.

Together, we’ll explore topics including career progression, leadership pathways, workplace culture, flexibility, representation and the practical actions needed to support meaningful progress.

Event details
WACA Ground - Wally Edwards Function Centre
Friday, 16 October 2026, 12:00 pm – 3:00 pm
$165 per person or $1,200 for a table of 8

Thanks to our event partners PIQUE Plus Studio Skyfields by Perth Airport, Planning Solutions, Lavan, TBB Planning Rise Urban, DevelopmentWA

Category Spotlight | PIA WA Awards for Planning Excellence

The PIA WA Awards for Planning Excellence recognise the people, projects and processes that are creating positive change across Western Australia.

Shining a light on three award categories that celebrate planning excellence, including one brand new category.

Local Government Team of the Year (Band 1)
This category recognises the achievements of planning teams working within WA local government authorities.

Local Government Team of the Year (Band 2-4)
This category recognises the achievements of planning teams working within WA local government authorities.

High Impact by a Small Team (NEW CATEGORY)
This award recognises the outstanding achievements and disproportionate positive influence of small planning teams in Western Australia, whether within private consultancies, State Government agencies, community
organisations, or multi-disciplinary groups.

Do you know a project, initiative or team that deserves recognition? Now is the time to celebrate the planning work shaping WA’s future.

Submit your nomination for the PIA WA Awards for Planning Excellence and showcase excellence in planning.

Category Spotlight | PIA WA Awards for Planning Excellence

The PIA WA Awards for Planning Excellence recognise the people, projects and processes that are creating positive change across Western Australia.

Shining a light on three award categories that celebrate planning excellence.

Performance and Innovation in Development Award
This award is presented to small, medium, or large-scale projects that demonstrate vision, innovation, improvement, communication, collaboration, and community benefit. Projects should advance the practice of development assessment to achieve positive land use planning outcomes.

Secondary Student Project sponsored by Curtin University with support from The Geographical Association of Western Australia.
This Award recognises outstanding geography and planning by a secondary student or group of students. It is awarded for a substantial project or assignment that contributes to students’ understanding of geography, planning and/or development outcomes.

Consultancy of the Year
This award recognises the achievements of planning consultancies in Western Australia that demonstrate excellence in professional practice, high levels of service, commitment to sustainable development, and leadership within the planning profession.

Do you know a project, initiative or team that deserves recognition? Now is the time to celebrate the planning work shaping WA’s future.

Submit your nomination for the PIA WA Awards for Planning Excellence and showcase excellence in planning.

Over 200 planning professionals have already secured their seat. Have you?
Register today and don’t miss your place at the PIA WA State Conference.

Join us as we explore “What is the city, but the people?” and the role we all play in shaping places that are connected, inclusive and meaningful. Hear from leading voices across planning, government, industry and community as we explore the ideas, challenges and opportunities shaping the future of our cities.

📅 Friday, 21 August 2026
📍 Curtin University - Elizabeth Jolley Lecture Theatre

Thanks to our sponsors Town of Victoria Park, Emerge Associates, WAPC, DevelopmentWA, Lavan, Rise Urban, CLE Town Planning + Design, Moharich & More - Planning + Environment Law, City of Kwinana, Planned Cover & Curtin University

The wait is over - the PIA WA State Conference program is here!

The conference website is now live, and we’re excited to unveil a program packed with inspiring speakers, thought-provoking discussions, practical insights and opportunities to connect with WA’s planning community.

Join us as we explore “What is the city, but the people?” and the role we all play in shaping places that are connected, inclusive and meaningful. Hear from leading voices across planning, government, industry and community as we explore the ideas, challenges and opportunities shaping the future of our cities.

📅 Friday, 21 August 2026
📍 Curtin University - Elizabeth Jolley Lecture Theatre

Explore the program, discover our speakers and secure your place today.

Thanks to our sponsors Town of Victoria Park , Emerge Associates, WAPC, DevelopmentWA , Lavan, Rise Urban, CLE Town Planning + Design, Moharich & More - Planning + Environment Law, City of Kwinana , Planned Cover & Curtin DBE