TAFE NSW will soon offer a Diploma of Local Government (Planning), drawing inspiration from a similar qualification offered in South Australia.
The Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure teamed up with Local Government NSW and TAFE NSW to develop the course.
The curriculum has been designed to reflect the state’s planning practices and to prepare students for roles that are responsible for providing initial assessment, research and review for the government’s civic planning.
Minister for planning and public spaces Paul Scully said the state government needed to create capacity for industry in the planning system, to deliver more homes, services and jobs.
“Planners do work that benefits everyone. I’m pleased that the NSW government is continuing to support this vital profession with this new pathway and by connecting existing talent with emerging talent,” Scully said.
“Addressing the planning skills shortage through TAFE and the Strong Start mentoring program will play a critical role in delivering better and more timely outcomes for communities.”
There was a 28% increase in the average number of days taken to determine local development applications in NSW between 2021-22 and 2022-23 due to a shortage of planners.
The planning profession has further been identified by the Australian National Skills Commission as experiencing a current skills shortage, and where future demand called for a TAFE course of this kind.
TAFE and tertiary education minister Steve Whan said the diploma would deliver a strong pipeline of skilled workers to the planning industry.
“Planners are a key part of alleviating the NSW housing crisis and I’m glad TAFE can play a role in training the next generation,” Whan said.
Housing affordability in Australia’s two largest states — NSW and Victoria — has fuelled public debate about what the government can do to accelerate renting and private home ownership for millennials and their younger peers.
According to the NSW Productivity Commission, Sydney lost twice as many people aged 30 to 40 as it gained (arrival of 35,000 compared to the departure of 70,000 people) between 2016 and 2021.
So far, as the NSW government is concerned, demand for housing means housing approvals for new builds must speed up and be sustained.
Councils have also expressed support for the new TAFE program, with 85% of councils reporting a recent survey that they would consider enrolling existing staff to upskill or hire planning cadets who were currently enrolled in the diploma.
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