Plan rewarded for being ‘transparent and dynamic’
Planning awards recognise excellence of South Australia's platform to 'guide Adelaide's growth'.
SOUTH Australia has been honoured at the National Awards for Planning Excellence, announced in Canberra last week.
Agencies from the state and Adelaide picked up two major awards and a slew of commendations in 11 categories.
The Awards are an annual event hosted by the Planning Institute Australia, now in its 75th year of representing urban and regional planners.
The prestigious 2026 Strategic Planning Project Award went to SA’s Department of Housing and Urban Development, for its Greater Adelaide Regional Plan.
The GARP envisages 316,000 new homes and 254,000 jobs through a digital, interactive platform designed to guide Adelaide’s growth and infrastructure.
“The Plan is transparent, dynamic and responsive, providing for real-time updates,” the judges noted.
They also praised the 18-month consultation process that saw over 70 engagement events.
“It sets a new benchmark in digital planning with clear potential for national transferability,” the judges added.
SA’s Department of HUD also won the Improved Planning Processes category with its Code Amendment Tracking System (CATS).
Judges said the system “provides a clear accessible interface for both proponents and the community”.
South Australia and Adelaide city won commendations for their work on climate resilience, adaptive housing and the state’s Regional Planning Portal.
Most states, several cities and at least one developer were also honoured.
The NSW Department of Primary Industries took a top gong for its Climate Vulnerability Assessment, Brisbane was awarded for its Archerfield Wetlands project and the Gold Coast was commended for waterways management.
A Victorian collaboration was recognised for technology and digital innovation in adopting AI for planning.
Melbourne’s Merri-Bek council and Engeny took a top award for stakeholder engagement on stormwater planning.
Frasers Property was awarded for its vibrant Ed.Square project at Edmondson Park in Sydney’s south-west and the City of Logan was commended for its Quality of Life initiative.
PIA vice president Rukshan de Silva said the projects reinforce the role good planning plays in supporting housing supply, infrastructure and access to opportunity.
“Planning is fundamentally about improving everyday life for people,” he said.
“When housing, transport, infrastructure and public spaces are planned together, communities function well and people have access to jobs, services and affordable housing choices.”
