What Think Planners Does

Think Planners is a town planning consultancy operating from Parramatta in Western Sydney. The firm specialises in the early phases of the development cycle, working with clients from initial concept through to development consent. The practice focuses on complex development applications, planning proposals, and design excellence competition management across the Sydney metropolitan area.

Planning Services

The firm provides development application services under the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979, including preparation of Statements of Environmental Effects and supporting documentation. Think Planners manages the assessment process from lodgement through to consent, including representation before determining authorities and negotiation with council officers.

• Development applications for residential, commercial and mixed-use projects
• Planning proposals for rezoning, height variations and floor space ratio amendments
• Master planning for greenfield subdivisions and urban renewal projects
• Land and Environment Court representation and expert witness services

Design Competition Management

The practice operates as competition managers for design excellence processes required under State Environmental Planning Policy No 65. The team administers architectural competitions, prepares design briefs, and guides the selection process to ensure projects achieve design excellence outcomes.

• Design excellence competition administration and management
• Architectural brief preparation and competitor selection
• Competition jury coordination and outcome facilitation
• Design development guidance through to final documentation

Experience and Credentials

The firm holds extensive Land and Environment Court experience across major development projects throughout Western Sydney. Think Planners operates with established relationships across local and state government agencies, providing independent assessment services to approval authorities and peer review capabilities for complex projects.

• Independent development application assessment for councils
• Due diligence services for major development sites
• Crime prevention and social impact assessment preparation
• Plans of management and complementary planning reports

Service Areas

Think Planners covers the Sydney metropolitan region with particular expertise in Western Sydney councils and precincts. The firm works across greenfield release areas and established urban areas requiring renewal and intensification.

• Western Sydney councils including Parramatta, Cumberland and Blacktown
• Sydney metropolitan area development projects
• State significant development and infrastructure projects