Environmental Planning and Heritage Consultancy

EConPlan is an environmental consultancy that operates from Castlecrag in New South Wales, established in 2016 by principal Isabelle Connolly. The firm provides environmental planning services across park management, conservation planning, and strategic policy development for government and private sector clients. EConPlan works with local councils, state agencies, and private landowners on projects involving natural and cultural heritage conservation, urban green infrastructure, and environmental impact assessment.

Planning and Environmental Services

The practice prepares comprehensive environmental planning documents and strategic policy frameworks under the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979. EConPlan delivers environmental impact assessments, reviews of environmental factors, and environmental management plans for development projects and land use planning initiatives.

• Plans of management for parks and reserves
• Bushland rehabilitation plans and natural area restoration strategies
• Urban canopy strategies and biodiversity conservation planning
• Environmental impact statements and development assessment reports
• Land capability analysis and site suitability studies
• Strategic planning documents for local environmental plans

Heritage and Infrastructure Planning

The firm specialises in cultural heritage planning and green infrastructure projects that integrate natural and built environment considerations. EConPlan has prepared planning documents for World Heritage Committee submissions and heritage landscape assessments for government clients including NSW Government Architect and National Parks and Wildlife Service.

• Cultural heritage impact assessments and conservation planning
• Green infrastructure planning and urban forest strategies
• Masterplan development for heritage landscapes and parklands
• Policy development for landscape connectivity and biodiversity corridors

Professional Credentials and Recognition

The principal holds a Master of Urban and Regional Planning and Master of Environmental Law from University of Sydney, alongside Certificate III in Conservation and Land Management from TAFE NSW. Isabelle Connolly serves as a certified Green Flag Award Judge and Parks and Leisure Australia national awards judge, demonstrating recognised expertise in park management and planning excellence.

• More than twenty years experience in environmental planning across public and private sectors
• Invited presenter for Office of Environment and Heritage workshops on integrated landscape planning
• Expert advisory panel member for Greener Spaces Better Places initiative

Service Coverage

EConPlan operates throughout New South Wales, serving government agencies at local, state, and federal levels alongside private developers and community organisations. The firm has delivered projects for Sydney metropolitan councils, Australian Botanic Gardens, and Parramatta Park Trust, covering urban, regional, and remote area planning challenges.