embedDING diversity, accessibility and inclusion IN PRECINCT PLANNING: VICTORIAN PLANNING AUTHORITY
SOcial Impact Advisory & Strategy
The Challenge
The Victorian Planning Authority (VPA) sought to embed principles of diversity, accessibility and inclusion within its Precinct Structure Planning (PSP 2.0) framework. While the Authority had a strong track record of progressive policy, there was no single resource that articulated how practitioners could practically apply inclusion thinking across all PSP phases - from due diligence and co-design through to implementation
The Task
Amplifier Collective was engaged to research, consult and develop a Guidance Note that would become part of the VPA’s Practitioner’s Toolbox - offering planners, consultants and partner agencies clear direction on integrating inclusive planning practice. The project required synthesising legislative and policy contexts, articulating practical engagement touch-points, and creating an accessible, practitioner-friendly tool that aligns with the broader PSP 2.0 process
Our Approach
Working in close collaboration with the VPA’s Planning Policy and Engagement Teams, Amplifier facilitated a structured process of:
Policy Review & Benchmarking: Mapping state and federal legislation, VPP clauses, and Plan Melbourne objectives related to inclusion and accessibility.
Stakeholder Workshops: Engaging planners, engagement specialists and local government officers to identify gaps in current practice and co-design solutions.
Framework Development: Translating conceptual inclusion principles into a staged PSP 2.0 process - outlining six touch-points where diversity and accessibility considerations should be embedded.
Practical Tools & Resources: Drafting appendices offering ready-to-use questions, checklists, and inclusive engagement examples to support practitioners in real projects.
The process was iterative and collaborative - each draft refined with feedback from the VPA’s internal working group and partner agencies.
The Result
We delivered a final ‘Planning for Diversity, Accessibility and Inclusion’ Guidance Note, which aims to establish a consistent, evidence-based approach to inclusive planning within Victoria’s growth-area and renewal contexts. Endorsed by the board, it defined the VPA’s organisational commitments, provided practical direction for embedding diversity through all PSP 2.0 phases, and aligns with key government frameworks such as Plan Melbourne’s 20-minute Neighbourhoods and the Victorian Disability Act.
The resource forms part of the VPA’s Practitioner’s Toolbox - enabling planners and partner agencies to plan more equitable, connected and inclusive communities.