Event Outline 

Urban planners often face complex ethical dilemmas related to public interest, professional integrity; obligations toward the community, clients, employers, and colleagues. Whilst it is clear that planners should act ethically unpacking what this means in practice, and how planners could and should behave ethically, are, of course, far from simple. They are subject to strong and conflicting pressures from different interest groups (residents, businesses, lobby groups, developers, public authorities, institutions, others). A planner often has to weigh personal values against those established in one's professional organization, or in the society.

This course invites planners to come and discuss some of these ethical dilemmas. You will learn about some of the ethical dilemmas experienced in NSW, including the views of ICAC.  You will learn about how you might be able to resolve some of your ethical dilemmas as well as what sources of support are available. There will be a particular focus on ethical issues associated with changes in zoning. 

The focus of the course will be on learning by discussing a range of case studies where the ethical dilemmas will be described and as well as the potential courses of action which are available to the planner.

Designed for

Planners at all levels who are interested in sharpening their understanding of ethical issues for planners and how they might be resolved.

Learning outcomes

At the conclusion of the course you will have:

• An appreciation of a range of areas where planners may face ethical dilemmas.
• An understanding of the recent history of ethical dilemmas raised by NSW ICAC about NSW planners and related stakeholders
• An appreciation of how to analyse a case study which raises ethical issues for a planner and to compare potential courses of action
• An appreciation of the specific ethical issues related to rezoning
• An appreciation of the role of Codes of Professional Conduct
• An understanding of where you might seek further help to clarify ethical questions.

Speakers 

Professor Nicole Gurran, Urban and Regional Planning University of Sydney Nicole is Professor of Urban and Regional Planning at the University of Sydney, and  Director of the University’s Henry Halloran Research Trust.  As a qualified urban planner, Nicole has led and collaborated on numerous research projects on aspects of housing, planning, urban development and regional growth funded by AHURI, the Australian Research Council, and state and local governments.  Nicole also serves as the state appointed expert member on the Sydney regional planning panels, which review major planning and development proposals including significant residential projects. This professional experience informs her commitment to effective, policy relevant research, dissemination and engagement.

Emeritus Professor Peter Phibbs Peter resigned from the University of Sydney in 2021 after a 35-year career teaching urban planning at the University of Sydney and the University of Western Sydney. He spent the last 7 years at the University of Sydney as the Director of the Henry Halloran Trust, a research Trust funded through philanthropy. He now runs a small consultancy providing planning training (focusing on Planning for Non-Planners) as well as advice about affordable housing issues. He has a continued interest in advocating for planning and supporting NSW Local Aboriginal Land Councils in achieving fairer outcomes from the NSW Planning system.

Terms & Conditions

Registrations cancelled more than 14 days prior to the event date will not incur any fees and a full refund will be granted.

If you cannot attend and you are within 14 days of the event date, you can transfer your ticket to another person.

In all other situations we cannot issue a refund or credit.

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