We came for the planning. We stayed for the multidisciplinary collaboration………and the networking drinks.
The 2026 PIA Queensland State Conference in Cairns delivered three days of excellent speakers, topical discussions and a timely reminder that conferences in the tropics are objectively better.
The official theme centred on building resilient futures through multidisciplinary collaboration, bringing planners together with environmental specialists, engineers, designers, policymakers and other professions.
28 South was proud to sponsor the conference satchels again this year, which proved useful for carrying notebooks, brochures, business cards and the occasional post-networking survival item.
Our Founding Director, Wayne Moffitt, took to the stage to discuss environmental due diligence for greenfield planning, the evolving EPBC reforms and the commercial value of understanding environmental constraints before they become expensive surprises.
Wayne also spoke about the advocacy work 28 South undertakes with UDIA National and highlighted our Managing Director, Mitch Taylor, in relation to the firm’s ongoing engagement with EPBC reform.
Senior Environmental Planner Chris Johnston chaired the session, with Abi Kinnaird also part of the 28 South contingent attending and contributing to the conference.
It was great to see our team involved in both the technical discussions and the equally important relationship-building that happens around them.
Thank you to the PIA Queensland team for another enjoyable and well-run conference. We were pleased to support the event and contribute to the experience for delegates.
See you at Tangalooma in 2027 – we’ll bring the satchels.