Industry Training: Navigating Planning Policy Reforms - NSW
About
At Sky we're on a mission to activate regenerative and meaningful urban spaces, where nature can flourish and all people can thrive.
We work consistently to deliver honest, efficient and friendly service that gets the job done.
We treat each project as our own.
We aim to delight all stakeholders with innovative and creative solutions.
Our values of integrity, care and commitment define everything we do.At Sky Planning we help developers bring their vision to life by guiding them through the minefield of the government approval process to get their development approved.
We partner with our clients, becoming a part of their development team to understand their vision, business objectives, and market opportunities. We consider market, financial, political and historical conditions as a way to guide a project’s design.
Delivering Clarity, Confidence, and Capability
Melissa Neighbour brings over 20 years of experience in urban planning, sustainability, and development strategy—backed by powerful communication skills that captivate and inform.
Her signature training on Planning Policy Reforms is designed to empower professionals across the property, development, and government sectors to confidently navigate Australia’s evolving planning landscape.
Smart Solutions
We specialise in helping developers make more informed property decisions at each phase of the development process, ensuring each project receives professional planning advice and project management for a successful result.
Whether it’s a small or large scale project, our client focused approach ensures we consistently exceed our clients’ expectations.
We combine the broad experience and technical depth of a large international firm with the kind of direct, active, personal service found only in smaller firms.
Sky Planning – Delivering above and beyond.
Policy Changes to Address the Housing Crisis
Australia’s housing crisis has triggered major planning policy reforms, bringing complexity and uncertainty for industry professionals. This high-impact training simplifies the process, delivering clarity, confidence, and actionable insights.
Whether you're a developer, planner, architect, or policy advisor, this session arms you with the knowledge to align with new frameworks and lead projects that meet housing needs, community expectations, and strategic development goals.
Training Overview
What Your Team Will Learn
List of Services
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The Housing Crisis: A SnapshotItem Link List Item 1
Understand the key drivers of the housing crisis, including supply, affordability, and regulation, and how they shape urban strategy.
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What’s Changed in Policy—and What’s ComingItem Link List Item 2
Get a detailed overview of recent planning policy reforms at the state and federal levels, their impact on development projects, and how to adapt successfully.
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Efficiency & Barriers in the Planning SystemItem Link List Item 3
Explore the roadblocks, opportunities, and solutions to streamline the development approval process and enhance project efficiency.
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Who’s Responsible? Collaboration in ReformItem Link List Item 4
Learn how planners, developers, local government, and communities can work together to drive systemic change in urban development.
Melissa is a seasoned town planner and sustainability expert known for her engaging and insightful training. She is the founder of Sky Planning and co-founder of Sydney YIMBY, a movement advocating for better housing policies in NSW.
Melissa has trained and consulted for leading organisations, including Mirvac, Charter Hall, Port Macquarie-Hastings Council, Domain.com.au, and Local Government Professionals Australia. She is widely praised for her clear, dynamic, and inspiring delivery style, ensuring participants leave with valuable, practical insights.
Meet Your Trainer:
Melissa Neighbour
Smart Solutions
We work across all sectors of property development including commercial, retail, industrial, film & tv, and residential.
We are a Sydney based firm and work with all local councils within NSW. We also have capabilities in VIC and QLD and service all councils in these states.
Reports
Statement of Environmental Effects
CDC planning reports
Review of Environmental Factors (REF)
Environmental Impact Statement
Clause 4.6 Statements
Applications
Development Applications
Construction Certificate
Building Information Certificate
Occupation Certificate
Subdivision Certificate
Complying Development Certificate
Expert Advice
Pre-Purchase Reports
Pre-Development Advice
Town Planning Advice Objections
Concept development
Sustainable development
Planning Proposals/Rezoning
Preliminary risk assessments
Planning Proposal preparation
Partner Engagement
Stakeholder involvement
Community Engagement
Strategic advice
Project positioning and key messages
Key stakeholder identification and catchment mapping
Development of communication strategy
Risk profiling, surveys and focus groups
Media strategy and project website development
Monitoring project media
Monitoring and managing social media content
Data analysis on the community response to the project
Fostering ongoing community relationships
Building community support
Activating posit
Project Management
Project Lead
Consultant engagement
Project Management
Tendering
Reports
Statement of Environmental Effects
CDC planning reports
Review of Environmental Factors (REF)
Environmental Impact Statement
Clause 4.6 Statements
Applications
Development Applications
Construction Certificate
Building Information Certificate
Occupation Certificate
Subdivision Certificate
Complying Development Certificate
Why Choose This Training?
Tailored For Industry Professionals
Led By One Of Australia’s Most Engaging Planning Experts
Delivers practical insights you can act on immediately
Includes An Optional Q&A To Address Real-world Industry Challenges
Flexible Delivery: Available In-person or Virtually
Tailored For Industry Professionals
Led By One Of Australia’s Most Engaging Planning Experts
Delivers practical insights you can act on immediately
Session Package
Duration: 45 minutes (30 min content + 15 min Q&A)
Location:
Available Onsite or Virtually
Investment :
From $2,000 + GST (group pricing available)
Equip Your Team for What’s Next
Whether you're preparing for policy shifts, upskilling your staff, or staying ahead of industry trends, this session delivers the essential tools and insights to navigate change effectively.
Ready to Elevate Your Skills?
Fill in Details below to Book Melissa or Request a Custom Training Package!
Contact Us
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Our Services
- Development Applications
- Sustainable Development
- Specialist Disability Accommodation
- CDC Planning Reports
- Objections
- Exceptions to Development Standards (Clause 4.6)
- Construction (CC), Occupation (OC) & Subdivision Certificates (SC)
- Planning Policy Amendments
- Public Engagement
- Company to Strata Title Conversions
We work across all sectors of property development including commercial, retail, industrial, film & tv, and residential.
We are a Sydney based firm and work with all local councils within NSW. We also have capabilities in VIC and QLD and service all councils in these states.
