ERA Planning provide an extensive range of professional services in urban and land use planning, environmental impact assessments and stewardship and project management. Focused on meeting client needs and providing a tailored approach, we can assist you in a broad range of strategic and statutory land use planning and environmental projects.

Development Applications

We can assist you in the preparation, lodgement and determination of development applications big or small. Recognising that development applications often involve input from a range of professionals, we also believe in close and strong cooperation with other consultants. In the development processes area, we can:

• prepare and coordinate input into development application;
• prepare supporting reports; and
• consult with or provide representation to Planning Authorities.

Site Assessments

We can provide project advice and due diligence and assist prospective developers identify constraints and opportunities on particular parcels of land through specific site assessments. We can also prepare land use and development frameworks for individual sites, that assist in guiding the design process.

Planning Scheme Amendments

We are experienced in preparing requests for planning scheme amendments (and combined development applications) for initiation and certification by local Planning Authorities and assessment by the Tasmanian Planning Commission. As part of these services we can coordinate the preparation of supporting technical reports and prepare planning reports addressing the legislative requirements for Planning Scheme Amendments, including an assessment against the objectives of the planning scheme, relevant State Policies and strategic land use documents.

We can also assist in the preparation of representations to Planning Scheme Amendments.

Expert Evidence

We are experienced in preparing statements of evidence and can assist in providing expert evidence before the Resource Management & Planning Appeal Tribunal and the Tasmanian Planning Commission. We work on the basis on an initial free evaluation of the planning issues and their merits and will provide you with our honest professional opinion before proceeding.

Our expert evidence services can be on behalf of developers, Planning Authorities, industry groups, the community and individuals.

Strategic Planning

At its heart land use planning is concerned with managing and providing for growth and change for cities, settlements and areas of economic activity. Strategic planning is the setting of policies and strategies, including desired spatial outcomes that will guide future land use, development and infrastructure decisions within an area, taking into account the protection of natural and cultural values.

At ERA Planning we are involved in strategic planning from the local level through to regional level and bring to our clients an intimate experience and knowledge of the strategic planning context in Tasmania and changes occurring through the State Government’s planning reform process. We can undertake the preparation and review of local area plans, land use strategies, structure plans and precinct plans including consultation with stakeholders and the community. We can also undertake land use, urban economics and demographic research to inform policy documents.

Environmental Impact Assessment and Approvals

ERA Planning provides guidance, project management and documentation required to support all types of environmental impact assessment (EIA) needs.

We offer cost effective small-scale EIA services to support applications to Council as well as large scale EIA required for Level 2 (medium to large scale) developments assessed by the Tasmanian Environment Protection Authority (EPA). For such assessments we provide inception through to operational stage services including initial liaison with government agencies, submission of the Notice of Intent (NOI), preparation of the Development Proposal and Environmental Management Plan (DPEMP), coordination of specialist studies, response to agencies during the assessment process and post approval environmental and planning services. We also have experience in the Commonwealth environmental approval process and its dovetail with the Tasmanian system in projects that trigger a bilateral assessment under both tiers of government.

Our combined planning and environmental approach offers a close-knit team with intimate knowledge of the whole project and the agility to navigate the assessment and approval process effectively and efficiently.

Environmental and Planning Permit Management

We offer services in the management and coordination of post-approval environment and planning conditions. For large scale developments such permit conditions can be complex. At ERA Planning we have experience in managing and scheduling the necessary tasks to support the construction and operational phases of a project in its need to comply with approval conditions.

Environmental Reporting

ERA Planning offers routine environmental reporting, for example Annual Environmental Reports, for small and large-scale operations.

New Norfolk Structure Plan (2017) Best Planning Ideas – Large Project, Tasmanian Division Award for Planning Excellence, Planning Institute of Australia

Strahan Waterfront Precinct Plan (2017) Best Planning Ideas – Small Project, Tasmanian Division Award for Planning Excellence, Planning Institute of Australia

Emma Riley (2011) Service to the Institute Awards, Planning Institute of Australia Tasmania Division

Emma Riley (2007) Young Planner of the Year, Tasmania Division Award for Planning Excellence, Planning Institute of Australia

Caroline Lindus (2005) Young Planner of the Year, National Awards for Planning Excellence, Planning Institute of Australia

Caroline Lindus (2004) Young Planner of the Year, Tasmania Division Award for Planning Excellence, Planning Institute of Australia

Emma Riley (2003) Marjorie Propsting Award for best performing female planning student, University of New England

Emma Riley (2003) Planning Institute of Australia NSW Division Award for highest overall grades in Urban & Regional Planning, University of New England

Emma Riley (2003) Planning Institute of Australia NSW Division Consultant Planner Award for the most innovative ideas in urban and regional planning, University of New England