Yarra Ranges Council will host the 2026 Planning Institute of Australia (PIA) Victorian State Conference in early November, bringing experts to the region to discuss the future of planning in the face of changing climate and communities.
The PIA Victorian State Conference will be hosted at The Memo, Healesville, on Thursday 5 and Friday 6 November, with presentations from leaders across Victoria's local government sector and industry experts.
The conference's theme for this year is Resilience Starts with Planning, exploring how planning can help communities prepare for, and respond to, emergencies, changes and unforeseen challenges.
Yarra Ranges Mayor, Cr Richard Higgins, said the theme was well-fitting for the Yarra Ranges, following years of resilience-building work.
"As Australia's second-most disaster-prone local government area, we are at the forefront of preparing for and responding to some of the most complex planning challenges facing communities today," Cr Higgins said.
"From storm recovery and landslide management, economic transition, food security and climate resilience, our teams have been working with communities over many years to help build local resilience, while strengthening connection to country, protecting our natural environment and preserving the culture of the region.
"Hosting this conference in Healesville is ideal - as one of our key peri-urban towns, Healesville reflects the opportunities and challenges when urban and rural areas meet.
"We're looking forward to hosting the PIA Victorian State Conference, showcasing our work, and hearing from leading industry experts to share knowledge, and help to strengthen community resilience around Australia."
