Powering NSW’s Future: Meet the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure 🚀
Hello readers! If you’ve ever wondered how sprawling cities, crucial infrastructure, and public spaces come together in New South Wales, you’ll find your answers here. In this article, we’ll give you a concise but comprehensive look at the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure—one of the most influential government entities in Australia. Get ready to discover how this department shapes vibrant communities, ensures sustainable development, and drives forward-thinking policies that benefit everyone in NSW.
AT-A-GLANCE:
Name of Department / Council: NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure
Location: Headquartered in Sydney, with projects and teams statewide
CEO (Secretary): Kiersten Fishburn
Total Revenue: Approximately $5.888 billion in 2023–24
Total Number of Employees: 3,316
DID YOU KNOW? 🤔
The Department oversees around 39% of all land in NSW under its Crown lands portfolio. This vast estate spans public reserves, historic sites, and essential community facilities—impacting the daily lives of countless residents, visitors, and businesses.
THE QUALIFICATION, CERTIFICATIONS, TRADES, PROFESSIONS, WORK EXPERIENCES & SKILLS MOST SUITED TO
Top 5 Academic Qualifications Most Suited:
Urban and Regional Planning (Degree/Master’s/PhD)
– Essential for large-scale land use and development projects.Environmental Science or Management (Diploma/Bachelor/Master’s)
– Helps ensure that growth is sustainable and ecosystems are protected.Engineering (Civil, Structural) (Diploma/Bachelor/Master’s)
– Key to designing infrastructure for roads, bridges, and public spaces.Business Administration (Diploma/Bachelor/Master’s)
– Supports effective project oversight and stakeholder management.Public Policy or Government Administration (Certificate IV/Bachelor/Master’s)
– Critical for shaping regulations and frameworks that govern development.
Top 5 Certifications Most Suited:
Project Management Professional (PMP)
– Demonstrates competence in managing complex projects.Certified Practising Planner (CPP)
– Endorses proficiency in planning processes and best practices.GIS and Spatial Analysis Certification
– Integral for mapping and land-use planning.Contract Management Certification
– Ensures legal compliance and cost-effective procurement.Property Valuation Registration/Certification
– Aids in Crown land and real estate assessments.
Top 5 Trades / Professions Most Suited:
Surveyors
– Essential for accurate boundary and land data to inform planning decisions.Carpenters / Builders
– Assist in maintenance and construction across public lands and facilities.Electricians
– Support key infrastructure upgrades and maintenance.Plumbers / Civil Construction Workers
– Keep essential services functional, from water management to drainage.Conservation Land Managers / Rangers
– Safeguard natural assets, including parks and coastal reserves.
Top 5 Skills Most Suited:
Stakeholder Engagement
– Fosters productive relationships with councils, agencies, and communities.Policy Analysis and Development
– Forms the backbone of legislation and guidelines.Data Interpretation and GIS Mapping
– Informs evidence-based decisions on development proposals.Regulatory Compliance and Governance
– Ensures legal and responsible handling of public projects.Project Coordination / Management
– Keeps multi-year initiatives on track and within budget.
Top 5 Work Experiences Most Suited:
Local Council or Government Agency Work
– Direct insight into public-sector decision-making and legislative processes.Infrastructure or Construction Project Roles
– Experience in building large-scale projects under regulatory constraints.Environmental Impact Assessment
– Invaluable in balancing community growth with environmental stewardship.Community Engagement / Customer Service
– Builds trust and consensus across diverse stakeholders.Policy Development or Analysis
– Shapes robust, forward-looking frameworks for NSW’s development.
THE KEY FACTS
Name of Department: NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure
Name of CEO (Secretary): Kiersten Fishburn
Location: Across NSW, operating out of Sydney and regional offices
Year Founded: 2024 (Renamed and restructured under an Administrative Arrangements Order; evolved from predecessor agencies)
Main mission and purpose of the organisation:
Improve liveability and prosperity in NSW by combining housing, infrastructure, and strategic planning.
Example: Overseeing Crown lands so communities can enjoy local parks, coastal areas, walking trails, and heritage sites while expanding housing opportunities.
Main duties of the organisation:
Assess major development and infrastructure proposals.
Manage Crown lands for cultural, social, economic, and environmental outcomes.
Drive policy reforms that enable rapid housing development and ensure local government compliance.
Example: Coordinating with councils on big precinct projects that deliver new homes, roads, and community facilities.
Key Projects, Key Strategic Priorities, Future Plans and Initiatives:
Housing Supply and Diversity: Accelerating the pipeline of social, affordable, and private housing.
Precinct Planning: Targeting high-impact urban and regional areas for economic and social growth.
Green Infrastructure: Safeguarding biodiversity and supporting renewable energy transitions.
Local Government Leadership: Regulating councils and reinforcing transparency and accountability.
Crown Lands 2031: Bringing the State Strategic Plan for Crown land to life, emphasising community access and returning land to Traditional Owners.
THE EMPLOYEES & REVENUE
Total Number of Employees: Exact figures not published; estimated at several thousand across multiple functional groups.
Total Number of Employees at each pay level: Not disclosed in the annual report.
Salary Bands: Public service ranges, from entry-level roles to senior executive positions.
Average salary in the department: Not explicitly stated; follows NSW public sector scales.
Total Revenue: $5.888 billion (Consolidated figure for 2023–24).
Average Revenue per Employee: $1,775,633.
GETTING A JOB AT
Common Job Titles & Keywords: “Policy Officer,” “Project Officer,” “Town Planner,” “Infrastructure Delivery Manager,” “Environmental Scientist,” “Crown Land Manager.”
Which Academic Subjects are Likely to be Most Sought After?
Certificate / Diploma Level:
Business Administration, Project Management, Surveying & Mapping, Environmental Conservation, Public Sector Administration
Bachelor / Master Level:
Urban/Regional Planning, Civil/Environmental Engineering, Property/Valuation/Real Estate Studies, Architecture/Landscape Architecture, Public Policy/Economics/Law
PhDs:
Environmental Science/Ecology, Urban Planning/Built Environment, Data Analytics/AI for Urban Systems
Which Trades and Professions are Likely to be Most Sought After?
Tradespeople (Carpenters, Electricians, Plumbers) for upkeep of government assets
Surveyors for precise mapping
Field Rangers / Land Conservation Officers for environmental management
Heritage Restoration Specialists for preserving historical sites
Project Support Officers in construction
Which Work Experiences are Likely to be Most Sought After?
Government Contracting / Consulting
Infrastructure Project Delivery
Public Engagement and Community Consultation
Land Management or Environmental Assessment
Cross-Sector Policy or Regulation Experience
Which Skills are Likely to be Most Sought After?
Soft Skills: Communication, Adaptability, Team Collaboration
Technical Skills: GIS & Spatial Analysis, Legislative & Policy Drafting, Project Management Software
General Skills: Report Writing, Time Management, Research & Data Analysis
Which Hobbies and Interests Align with the Work of this Organisation?
Community Volunteering / Landcare Activities
Bushwalking, Camping, Outdoor Recreation
Heritage Preservation Enthusiasm
Urban Planning / Architecture Discourse
WANT MORE INFORMATION ON THIS ORGANISATION? 🔎
Contact the organisation:
Website: dphi.nsw.gov.au
Recruitment / HR Team Email: hr@dphi.nsw.gov.au
Phone: (02) 9999 9999
Head Office: 52 Martin Place, Sydney NSW 2000
Find Current Job Vacancies: iworkfor.nsw.gov.au (search “Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure”)
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DISCLAIMER: The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and is based on publicly available information, including annual reports. While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability, or availability with respect to the information on this article. Any reliance you place on such information is therefore strictly at your own risk. In no event will we be liable for any loss or damage including without limitation, indirect or consequential loss or damage, or any loss or damage whatsoever arising from loss of data or profits arising out of, or in connection with, the use of this article.