SEQ students take out top state planning awards

QUT student Tammy Joynson has received the prestigious Minister’s Planning Award for her study into active transport infrastructure and initiatives.

The Minister’s Planning Award is awarded to a tertiary student whose thesis or major final-year research project contributes significantly to the creation of well-planned communities that are prosperous, resilient and sustainable

Presenting the award today at Queensland’s Parliament House, Minister for State Development, Manufacturing, Infrastructure and Planning Cameron Dick commended Ms Joynson’s innovative, original and practical submission.

“Ms Joynson developed a localised active transport plan for Brisbane suburb Albion that encourages walking and cycling to the local public transport precinct,” Mr Dick said.

“Her work provides a smart solution to reducing congestion and promoting healthy communities, addressing some of the most pressing issues faced when planning for a modern urban area.”

The inaugural Woman in Planning Award was also given to outstanding Griffith University planning student Jasmine Divall, who was recognised for her academic achievements and dedication to planning in Queensland.

Ms Divall will be offered an internship with the Department of State Development, Manufacturing, Infrastructure and Planning so she can gain vital experience at this crucial stage of her career.

Member for Keppel and former Queensland Young Planner of the Year Brittany Lauga said by promoting the increased participation of women in planning, the industry, and communities, all stood to benefit.

“The Queensland Government is proud to sponsor this award to champion and encourage more women in the planning profession to gain leadership positions and help drive this important industry,” Mrs Lauga said.

“This new award will give high achieving students like Jasmine a greater opportunity to develop an understanding of the state’s role in planning and how they can shape Queensland for the better.”

QUT Urban and Regional Planning Subject Area Coordinator Dr Severine Mayere said receiving the Minister’s Planning Award was a great outcome for Ms Joynson and the university.

“QUT is all about preparing students for the real world,” Dr Mayere said.

“We were very pleased that one of our students has secured this prize as it highlights the high calibre and relevance of our urban and regional planning course, and the excellence of our students.”

Both awards were reviewed by a panel of four judges from the Department of State Development, Manufacturing, Infrastructure and Planning.

During the ceremony the Planning Institute of Australia (PIA) also recognised the state’s best planning students, with prizes awarded to the top tertiary students from Bond University, Griffith University, James Cook University, Queensland University of Technology, University of Queensland, University of the Sunshine Coast and University of Southern Queensland.

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