Program Overview

Growth area planning sits at the heart of Victoria’s housing supply pipeline and presents a unique set of opportunities and challenges. Unlike urban renewal and infill projects, greenfield development requires the coordinated planning and delivery of entire new communities, including housing, transport networks, schools, community facilities, open space, utilities and infrastructure funding frameworks. This course provides a practical introduction to growth area planning and development, helping participants understand how strategic planning, Precinct Structure Plans (PSPs), infrastructure contributions and statutory approvals work together to shape successful development outcomes. Through practical examples and real-world case studies, participants will gain an understanding of the planning frameworks that guide the delivery of new communities across Victoria’s growth areas.

Facilitated by Leah Wittingslow, Head of Planning and Design at Mesh (A Veris Company), the course brings together experienced practitioners who work at the forefront of greenfield development across Victoria. Leah will be joined by colleagues Bronwyn Pettitt and Jacob Peterson, together providing expertise spanning strategic growth planning, statutory approvals, urban design, infrastructure funding and development delivery.

The program combines expert presentations, industry discussion and interactive case study exercises to provide a well-rounded perspective on growth area development. Participants will hear directly from representatives of State Government, growth area councils and greenfield developers, gaining insight into how different stakeholders approach planning, infrastructure funding, approvals and development delivery.

Case studies will explore a range of real-world scenarios, including:

These scenarios will allow participants to examine different approval pathways, identify project risks and opportunities, and understand the practical decisions that influence successful project delivery.

• greenfield residential development
• activity centres
• medium-density housing outcomes

Participants will develop a stronger understanding of how planning decisions affect project feasibility, risk, timing and delivery, and greater confidence in navigating Victoria’s growth area planning system.

This course is designed for individuals working as:

This course is designed for professionals looking to strengthen their commercial impact, including:

• Development Managers and Assistant Development Managers
• Local and state government representatives
• Engineers
• Real estate agents and investors
• Consultants
• Industry professionals seeking an in-depth understanding of Victoria’s planning system 

Course outline

• Course introduction
• Greenfield planning 101
• PSP A-Z
• Developer journey (Permits to Development)
• Delivery / execution
• Alternate pathways / bringing together
• Case study

Program Duration and Dates

This course is delivered face-to-face from 9:00am-4:00pm, (lunch will be provided).

Next Intake

Please visit the Education Calendar for upcoming course dates.