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Planning Coordinator
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Name: Lesley Murray |
Why the City of Perth?
To work for the capital city local authority, as the pinnacle of local government in WA and to work as part of an interdisciplinary unit. Opportunity to work on initiatives from a strategic (long term planning) perspective but also have the opportunity to follow them through to implementation. An expectation that the work would be diverse, challenging and interesting because of the complex role of a capital city (serving local, regional and national interests).
What does your role involve?
Manage a small team of staff within the larger Strategy Unit – this includes three environment officers and a social planner. The role involves mentoring staff and advice in relation to their projects and work plans. Prepare policy and planning documents for the City of Perth on the wider social, cultural and environmental issues for the City as the capital of WA. Completed strategies and research in my area of responsibility include City Environment Plan, Arts Policy, Community Safety Plans, Disability Access and Inclusion Plans, Water Strategy, Greenhouse Emissions Reduction Strategy, Residents Survey, Inner City Housing Market Survey. Each takes many months, even years!
A typical day is a mix of: preparing advice or reports to Council, senior executive, internal and external parties (State Government or other capital cities), and the community and mentoring/ advising staff on their projects. Meeting with consultants undertaking specialist work on behalf of the City providing input (from a social and cultural perspective) to other projects and plans both within and outside the organisation. Consulting with others (other staff/ stakeholders) to ensure appropriate expertise is captured for current studies/ reports/ research and to avoid unnecessary duplication. Working on current policies, projects, grant proposals or consultancy briefs such as affordable housing or social infrastructure. Keeping up to date with relevant research in my specialist subject area (social planning).
Career highlights?
Universal access for people with disabilities – the City has become a leader in WA with many innovative access initiatives, often in partnership with the State government. Examples include: Council house refurbishment, Access Working Group and the ‘You’re Welcome – WA Access program. External recognition for many strategic social planning studies and initiatives National awards for the Safety and Security Action Plan and the Women and Safety Study. State Awards for the City’s Universal Access Initiatives and the Nyoongar Patrol. Opportunities to give presentations at national conferences on work undertaken for youth strategy, women and safety, creating an accessible city and You’re Welcome access initiative. Opportunities to work with many excellent individuals throughout the City of Perth, State Government, the non-government sector, universities, business and the community.
Advice for job seekers
Generally a tertiary qualification is needed, usually in the arts or social science area. We are interested in excellence and highly motivated individuals, who are committed to their subject area (without being over-zealous as we are political advisors only). Very good communication skills are needed. You can be asked to co-ordinate projects outside your comfort zone, so you need to be flexible and adaptable, with good research and consultation skills. Other work/ study / travel/ community experience can be a real asset in this regard. Understand how the social environment affects and is affected by other issues, as this is vital to working well with other members of the team on multidisciplinary projects.