Newly elected Chair of the Planning Institute Australia (PIA) National Local Government Planning Network (LGPN), Leo Jensen, is calling on all Local Government planners to get involved in PIA’s special interest group.
“There are numerous challenges facing Local Government planners across the nation at the moment,” Leo Jensen said. “I am calling on all of my Local Government planning colleagues to register their details with the PIA, with a view to getting involved with the future directions of the LGPN.”
The PIA Local Government Planning Network was established for the purpose of drawing together planners and associated professionals practicing in Local Government and to focus on delivering a range of relevant programs and activities.
The LGPN aims to:
- promote Local Government planning as a profession
- promote the image of planning
- provide professional support to planners in Local Government
- promote involvement of members who are not employed by Local Government but have an interest in Local Government matters
- encourage regular communication with members
- promote Local Government views to the Institute, the community, the media and the government
- host activities and provide services of relevance to planning in Local Government
- initiate policies and statements affecting Local Government.
While existing members of the PIA are eligible to join the LGPN, planners who are not members of their peak professional body are encouraged to apply for PIA membership.
Leo Jensen said that while the LGPN is in its infancy, it is crucial for Local Government planners and allied professions to get involved with the future development of this network, for the betterment of members, the profession, and planning in Local Government.
Leo Jensen is a Local Government planning manager in Queensland, and is currently President of the PIA Queensland Division. His position as National Chair of the LGPN is a two year appointment (2006-2008). He is looking forward to engaging with members and other interested stakeholders in promoting planning in Local Government, and developing the LGPN for the benefit of the profession and its members.
For further information contact PIA National Office on (02) 6262 5933 or visit www.planning.org.au, or contact your PIA State Division office.
