This report explores the various approaches and experiences of NSW councils when preparing Social/Community Plans. The review outlines key implications for future practice, and also considers the NSW Department of Local Government's proposals for a new Integrated Planning and Reporting framework. While the focus is upon NSW local government, the research discusses issues that can have broader relevance such as: balancing legislative compliance and creative planning; fostering ideas and initiatives for innovative resourcing and linkages; anticipating organisational and representative interests in public planning; being aware of organisational capacity and external hindrances; managing expectations and the unintended outcomes of public planning. The conclusion includes a short summary "Success factors for social planning".