Fed up with the sparse job market? Looking for a change of pace? Unlike here in the States, planners are in high demand in Australia. The similarities between the two countries' planning systems makes moving abroad to work as a planner a feasible option.

Planetizen is pleased to offer a day-long seminar introduction to the Australian planning system, provided by Australian planning expert Angus Witherby. The seminar will take place on July 25, 2009 from 9 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. PDT in Los Angeles, California on the campus of the University of Southern California.

http://www.planetizen.com/node/38326

Space for this event is limited to the first 25 registrants.

Why a seminar on the Australian planning system?

By looking at another system and another culture we have a better opportunity to reflect on our own. This seminar is based on the Planetizen subject Plan 130 which provides both a cultural background to Australia and an introduction to the planning systems in that country. In this seminar we will focus on aspects of culture and difference using Australian examples.

What you will get out of this seminar:

If you have an interest in Australia or simply wish to look at your own system in a different way this seminar is for you. At the end of the day you will have an overview of the similarities and differences between US and Australian culture and planning systems and, we hope, enjoyed some stimulating and spirited discussion!

Outline for the seminar

The seminar timetable and topics are outlined below. Each topic will be an "interactive" where you bring your ideas and experiences into the discussion after a short introduction. You will be working in small groups discussing and thinking about similarities and differences. At the end of the seminar we will reflect on the respective systems that we have been discussing.

9:00 a.m. - Registration, welcome and coffee
9:30 a.m. - About the day
9:45 a.m. - Your expectations and "get to know each other" activity
10:00 a.m. - Australia and the USA – Quick pictures and comparisons
10:30 a.m. - Coffee break
11:00 a.m. - Urban structures and settlement patterns
11:30 a.m. - Country towns and rural living
12:00 p.m. - Natural resources, natural hazards
12:30 p.m. - Ethnicity and culture
1:00 p.m. - Lunch
2:00 p.m. - Governmental structures compared
2:30 p.m. - Legal systems and planning law
3:00 p.m. - Coffee break
3:30 p.m. - Planning systems and planning outcomes
4:00 p.m. - Reflections and discussion
4:25 p.m. - Seminar evaluations
4:30 p.m. - Close

When:
Saturday, July 25, 2009
9:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., including 1-hour lunch break (lunch on your own)
Please arrive by 8:45 a.m. to check in

Where:
University of Southern California
University Park Campus (Main campus, downtown)
Montgomery Ross Fisher Building (MRF)
Room 204 (Second Floor)
Los Angeles, CA 90089

http://www.planetizen.com/node/38326