GLN Leads PIA NSW’s 2025 Planner’s Summit on Infrastructure, Funding and Delivery
24 JUNE 2025
We’re proud to have led the program for this year’s PIA NSW Planner’s Summit – Infrastructure, Funding and Delivery, bringing together leading voices in infrastructure policy and practice.
Held over two half-day sessions, the Summit tackled the big questions on how to unlock smarter, faster, and more collaborative infrastructure delivery in NSW.
Whether you’re an infrastructure contributions L-plater or the one elusive senior licence holder in attendance, this event offered valuable insights for all.
Day 1: Reflecting on Purpose, Pressures, and Potential
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Peter McKenna set the scene with a snapshot of sector trends and key issues.
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Katrine O’Flaherty and Charlotte Dare outlined the NSW Government’s evolving policy direction on contributions.
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Jonathon Carle presented on holistic funding frameworks to better support infrastructure outcomes.
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Alyce Kliese shared practical lessons on using planning agreements more strategically.
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Chris Avis explored the enablers of successful infrastructure delivery, from early planning to funding coordination, drawing on findings from the UDIA’s Building Blocks report.
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The day closed with an expert panel hosted by Peter, featuring Katrine, Alyce, Chris, and Ben Richards, diving into practical solutions and system reform.
Day 2: Turning Contributions into Tangible Outcomes
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Esther Cheong examined how feasibility and take-up assumptions impact affordable housing contributions.
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Chris Sleiman presented the ins and outs of local government financial systems and the Inner West Council’s approach to integrating financial and infrastructure planning.
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Ben Richards unpacked governance frameworks and the often unseen “iceberg” of infrastructure funding and delivery.
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Alessandra Razera highlighted the pivotal role of section 64 water and sewer contributions and Development Servicing Plans.
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Janina Olmos-New discussed the complexities of heavy haulage contributions under section 7.11.
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Patricia Sim shared insights on the growing importance of renewable energy planning agreements in delivering local benefits.
It was a privilege to support this important event and hear so many thoughtful, forward-looking perspectives. Special thanks to the Planning Institute of Australia and everyone who joined the conversation.