2024 PIA NT Awards for Planning Excellence

On Friday, 1 November 2024, we came together to celebrate and congratulate the winners of the 2024 Northern Territory Awards for Planning Excellence at Parliament House in Darwin.

The event was a wonderful opportunity to catch up with friends and colleagues, reflecting on the achievements of 2024.

Below are our winner and commendation recipients. To view their citations, simply click on the images.

We wish the Award for Excellence recipient the best of luck at the National Awards in 2025!

Award for Planning Excellence

Planning with Country

NT Aboriginal Cultural Tourism Framework

TRC Tourism, Ayal Aboriginal Tours Kakadu, Coolamon Creative, ICTV (Indigenous Community Television), Department of Tourism and Hospitality – Tourism NT, NT Aboriginal Tourism Committee

The NT Aboriginal Cultural Tourism Framework is an outstanding example of planning with Country, distinguished by its comprehensive scope, accessibility, and contribution to Aboriginal self-determination. Through an impressive range of initiatives, this framework empowers Aboriginal communities to tell their stories, offering practical tools that transform strategic vision into tangible outcomes.

While some gaps remain in broader consultation, the framework represents an impressive initiative that will deliver lasting benefits to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities across the Northern Territory. It sets a high standard for aligning cultural tourism with strategic direction, addressing the need for stronger partnerships and collaboration in planning with Country.

This groundbreaking framework exemplifies thoughtful, effective planning and serves as an important milestone in the cultural tourism space. Congratulations to the team for their remarkable achievement.

Commendation

Strategic Planning Project

Greater Holtze Area

Territory Planning Commission with support from the Department of Infrastructure, Planning and Logistics

The Greater Holtze Area Plan stands out as a well-considered and executed strategic planning initiative, earning recognition for its contribution to the Northern Territory’s future growth. Its timely preparation to address Darwin's pressing need for housing, demonstrate proactive strategic planning to support the territory's future development.

The plan prioritises foundational principles, with a focus on active transport and the strategic alignment of long-term growth objectives. Its important location leverages existing community assets, particularly the proximity to the Palmerston Hospital.

Recognised for its clear focus, principle-led approach, and emphasis on sustainable development, the Greater Holtze Area Plan is a commendable project that effectively fills a gap in the Territory’s planning framework