Urban Law
AIMS OF THE COURSE
The aim of the course is to introduce professionals who work in the area of urban and regional planning to the preparation and scoping of Social Impact Assessment , and how they relate to other impact assessments (economic, health, environmental). Participants will gain skills to assist in the preparation of high quality and court admissible Social Impact Assessments. Further, attendees will be provided with an understanding of the role of the expert witness in the town planning process.
Objectives:
At the end of the course, it is anticipated that participants will satisfactorily achieve the following learning outcomes:
- Understand the importance of Social Impact Assessments;
- An understanding on how community consultations are conducted;
- Gain practical skills in the use of social research methodologies and techniques for social planning;
- Obtain practical guidance on writing Social Impact Assessments;
- Handy hints in acting as an expert witness.
Teaching style:
The six sessions will consist of intensive instruction on the various topics. Presenters will be legally trained staff and those who have expertise in the social sciences and research methodologies. As well as a formal lecturing style, there will be interactive workshops where participants take part in practical exercises.
CONTENT
The content of the course is:
- The significance of social planning for urban renewal and sustainable development:
The socio-economic significance in the use and development of land has been recognised as crucial to community wellbeing. That recognition has led to legislative amendments and an appreciation of the value and importance of SIA studies. This session will ‘get you up to date’ and ready to respond.
- Community and social profiles:
Participants will gain an understanding of how to find and utilise socio-economic statistics and demographic information to produce a community and social profile.
- Community consultation:
Introduction to the techniques of conducting community consultations and how to work effectively with stakeholders in urban and regional town planning.
- Social impact assessment:
Drawing on previous weeks, participants will gain knowledge of the varied use of SIA at different stages of the urban and regional planning process, and an understanding of what is required for best practice at each stage.
- OPTION A:
Effective communication skills & report writing:
Participants will sharpen their communication skills. There will be emphasis on effective report writing for the planning process and how to communicate this report content effectively.
OR:
OPTION B:
Planning panels, tribunal and court procedure:
Participants will be taken through the procedure of the workings of Planning Panels, the Tribunal and Courts relevant to the town planning process.
- Acting as an expert witness using social evidence in a town planning case:
Participants will be expected to draw on knowledge acquired from previous sessions to understand how evidence in a Planning Panel/Tribunal/Court is presented and tested with an emphasis on examination and cross-examination of a witness. Discussion on the general use of socio-economic evidence in cases.
COURSE COST OF $1750* INCLUDES:
- comprehensive course notes
- refreshments during the course
- practice example workbook directed to SIA
- copy of PowerPoint presentations
- sample Social Impact Assessments and web resources
- on-line discussion facility
This course is offered in both an intensive and part-time mode. This semester, they are scheduled as part of our after hours program.
Choice of mode will depend on the individual’s preferred learning style and/or availability.
Business hours programmes can be made available on demand.
DATES - TBC
Last reviewed:
04/10/2007
