Who's this event for?

Local government officers and senior executives working in the areas of infrastructure planning, service planning, climate change and sustainability, capital works and asset management, as well as those interested in developing an informed approach to planning and investment. 

The event will be a valuable opportunity to network with peers, gain insights from thought leaders, and be a part of the conversation shaping the future of innovation. 

Jo Noesgaard

Jo is a planner with a drive to shape communities that are accessible and equitable for all. With over 10 years of experience working within government, Jo believes it is essential that the social, economic, natural and built environment of cities and regions considers everyone’s needs in a sustainable way. A strategic thinker, Jo has the experience of applying her knowledge and skills across disciplines and levels of government. Her policy development and review expertise helps Jo work collaboratively with clients to solve real-world issues.

Rebecca Sirianni

Within a local government context, Rebecca has extensive experience in community building, engagement - social planning and policy development. Rebecca has experience working in Melbourne’s growth areas and has seen firsthand how good advocacy, social planning and policy can dramatically change and impact the health and wellbeing of communities and societies overtime. Through working in growth area environments Rebecca welcomes testing out innovative and new approaches that embodies social justice principles and aligns with positive social outcomes. 

Buffy Leadbeater

Buffy is a highly experienced, agile leader with strong academic and community-based understanding. She has a proven track record of achievement in both high performing Senior Executive roles and as a valued Board member. With a strong history in Local Government and the community sector she brings both strategic and driven professional commitment to delivering social change and a shared understanding of diversity, respect, and wellbeing. Buffy has specialist skills in managing and developing teams, community engagement, strategic planning and research in the human services sector. Her areas of expertise include stakeholder consultation, project management, budget management and strong negotiation skills.

Julian Szafraniec

Julian is an urban economist who has extensive experience applying economic theories and models to urban and regional issues across Australia and internationally. He has provided advice to all tiers of government and the private sector, contributing to better policy and investment decisions around the dynamics of housing, transport, community infrastructure, retail and the general economy.  Julian is an excellent communicator and storyteller who is able to translate complex economic ideas into plan English insights understood by all. He regularly presents to councillors, the community, at conferences, seminars and has been report in the media around key economic and housing issues.

Thomas Walker

Thomas is an economist and geographer at SGS Economics and Planning who works with policymakers to develop healthy and thriving communities – from economic opportunity and social infrastructure to building greater trust and reducing the impact on earth's natural systems. Thomas has a passion for building resilient communities in the face of a range of economic, social and environmental pressures.

Mark Allan

Mark is an architect and urban planner and the Director Greenline at the City of Melbourne. The Greenline project is a city shaping initiative set to transform the north bank of the Yarra River Birrarung. With a career in major projects spanning 35 years Mark has played key roles in Federation Square, Melbourne Docklands and the Queen Victoria Market Precinct Renewal. He has previously held senior roles in architectural practice and at Mirvac, VicUrban and the former Melbourne Docklands Authority. Mark has received numerous awards including the prestigious Australia Award for Urban Design. He has chaired industry advisory committees for the Property Council of Australia (Victoria), the University of Melbourne, and the Australian Sustainable Built Environment Council (ASBEC). Mark is a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Architects and the Planning Institute of Australia. He is a PhD candidate at the University of Melbourne with research interests including urban regeneration, data analytics, SDGs, placemaking and sustainable precincts.

Andrew McDougall

For more than a decade Andrew has been a Principal & Partner at SGS. Andrew delivers rigorous analysis and insights to help government and business leaders make informed public policy decisions and improve community welfare, while serving organisational objectives. Andrew helps land, infrastructure and service providers strategically think and rigorously analyse investment options so available funding streams can be tapped to optimise investment. His experience spans urban development and transport projects, along with education, health, cultural, recreation, tourism and environmental initiatives.

Laura-Jo Mellan 

Laura-Jo joined Maribyrnong in February 2022 from Melton City Council where she was Executive Manager Corporate Strategy and Investment responsible for Corporate Planning and Performance, Melton’s property and projects portfolio and leading that council’s input into key State capital projects to support their timely, planned and efficient delivery.  Laura-Jo has held roles in the public and private sectors across corporate planning, urban planning, urban design, environmental planning, health care and education planning, urban regeneration, economic development and advocacy.  She holds a Bachelor of Arts with Honours in Environmental Planning (BAHons) and Master of Science (M.Sc.) focused in Urban Design. Planning and environment services plays a key role in the sustainable growth and development of the City.  The directorate is responsible for advocacy, active transport, urban planning, city design, economic development, events and activation, sustainability and climate change, and regulatory services which includes building services, environment health, local law and compliance.

Dr Marcus Spiller

Marcus is a founding partner at SGS Economics and Planning. Marcus is formally qualified in commerce and urban planning. He has practised as a consultant for much of his career, though he has also worked as an academic, local government town planner, Ministerial Adviser and senior bureaucrat in State and Commonwealth Government agencies. He is an expert in regional economic development, housing policy, infrastructure funding and metropolitan governance. This includes writing and co-editing two books on urban management.