Adapting the deliberative democracy ‘template’ for planning practice

Abstract

Deliberative engagement is changing strategic planning processes. However, the political nature of plan-making, particularly as embedded in institutional structures and processes, can suppress deliberative processes. Drawing on two plan-making processes in Perth, this paper argues that deliberative engagement can be a step-change towards unifying stakeholders under a shared vision, but it remains an experimental and politicised practice. In light of these challenges, we suggest that strategic planning be reformed to provide opportunities for community deliberation and to help planners, who shoulder increasingly complex roles, to maintain a clear and transparent role in the changing practice of strategic planning.