Planning Institute of Australia finds shortage of town planners is at ‘critical’ point

The future of Australia’s housing and infrastructure industries are under threat with a shortage of key workers reaching critical levels, exacerbated by 13 universities scrapping courses in the field.

Australia is facing a critical shortage of urban and regional town planners which threatens the nation's housing, infrastructure and climate targets.

Australia is facing a critical shortage of urban and regional town planners which threatens the nation's housing, infrastructure and climate targets, according to a new survey.

A Planning Institute of Australia survey found the lack of planners across the nation was widespread and organisations were struggling to attract staff.

The survey of more than 1000 planners across Australia revealed the shortage had been exacerbated by 13 universities closing their planning degrees over the past eight years.

PIA chief executive Matt Collins said it confirmed what planners had been warning for some time.

“Australia is facing a critical shortage of planners, just as their expertise is needed more than ever,” he said.

“This is deeply concerning because our planning systems can’t perform effectively without a strong planning workforce. The data reveals the clear impact of this shortage, with planners reporting continually increasing workloads, delays to strategic planning projects as well as assessments, and the need to hire staff with less experience than desired for the role.

“Australia cannot deliver more housing, better infrastructure, or sustainable growth without planners to lead the way.”

PIA chief executive Matt Collins.

The survey found almost 64 per cent of respondents said their organisation struggled to fill planning roles in the past 12 months; 51 per cent said a lack of qualified candidates was the major barrier to recruitment; and 49 per cent believed the shortage was directly affecting Australia’s housing supply and affordability.

Jobs and Skills Australia has also listed Urban and Regional Planners as being in national shortage in its most recent Occupation Shortage List, reinforcing the urgency for government action.

Ahead of the federal election, PIA is calling for the next Australian Government to invest in rebuilding the nation’s planning workforce through scholarships and support moves to promote planning as a career choice.

Mr Collins said the data revealed the clear impact of the shortage of planners.

“We need a clear, national strategy to grow and sustain the planning workforce — starting with investment in skills, education, and career pathways.

“The shortage of planners is a national challenge, and it demands a national solution.”

Originally published as Planning Institute of Australia finds shortage of town planners is at ‘critical’ point