This research paper aims to provide better understanding of the manner in which changes occur via strategic planning. It suggests that while strategic planning is extensively discussed in the wider body of urban planning’s literature, it is not always clear how practice-based planning change occurs, how it develops as a process, and is actualised in planning practice. In addition, there is limited knowledge of the ways that strategic planning occurs “with” the other governmental systems with which urban planning is inter-related. This paper addresses the question of how and why changes in strategic decisions are made in this context, and who the decision makers and influencers of such changes are, using the example of bushfire planning policy in Victoria, Australia.

The paper specifically analyses the processes of development and implementation over time of the Bushfire Management Overlay (BMO), which was established in 2011 after the devastating events of the 2009 Victorian Bushfire Season. The BMO’s latest and significant amendment, which occurred after only three years, provides particular insights into the interplay of multiple systems and influences that represent the realpolitik of policy formation, management and change. The research method employed is policy analysis, based on data collected from a range of documents, scientific papers, and regulations; combined with semi-structured interviews with professionals from different agencies involved in the development, implementation or amendment of the policy. The findings of this research paper document the conditions and reasons for strategic change in the case study.

•

The papers presented at the 2015 State of Australian Cities National Conference (SOAC 7) were organised into seven broad themes but all shared, to varying degrees, a common focus on the ways in which high quality academic research can be used in the development and implementation of policy. The relationship between empirical evidence and theoretical developments that are presented as part of our scholarly endeavours and policy processes is rarely clear and straightforward. Sometimes, perhaps because of the fortuitous alignment of various factors, our research has a direct and positive impact on policy. Sometimes it takes longer to be noticed and have influence and, sometimes, there is no little or no evidence of impact beyond or even with the academy. And while there are things we can do to promote the existence of our work and to present it in more accessible formats to people we believe to be influential, ultimately the appreciation and application of our work lies in the hands of others.

This paper is one of 164 papers that have each been reviewed and refereed by our peers and revised accordingly. While they each will have been presented briefly at the SOAC conference, they can now be read or re-read at your leisure. We hope they will stimulate further debate and discussion and form a platform for further research.

Adapted from the SOAC 7 conference proceedings introduction by Paul Burton and Heather Shearer

The State of Australian Cities (SOAC) national conferences have been held biennially since 2003 to support interdisciplinary policy-related urban research.

SOAC 7 was held in the City of Gold Coast from 9-11 December 2015. The conference featured leading national and local politicians and policy makers who shared their views on some of the current challenges facing cities and how these might be overcome in the future.