Testimonials

Sam Spiro
(Director, Brisbane)
Sam Spiro is a Senior Town Planner and Project Manager. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Regional and Town Planning from the University of Queensland. Sam has worked in the private development consulting sector for over nine (9) years and has extensive experience in both Queensland and regional Western Australia. Sam returned to Brisbane in 2014 following three (3) years working as the Manager of Major Projects for a multi-national consultancy based in Perth and North-western Australia.
Sam has extensive experience in the following:
- town planning approvals;
- stakeholder management;
- client management;
- commercial negotiations;
- contract administration and negotiation;
- feasibility and due diligence reporting;
- tendering and EOI’s; and
- strategic project framework preparation and programming.
Sam has had exposure to a diverse range of projects and therefore understands the complete development process. He is adept at delivering innovative, cost-effective solutions and strategies for his clients. The technical knowledge acquired from his higher education along with his experience as a Project Manager means Sam can easily identify the critical elements of any given proposal and take appropriate measures to ensure his clients’ key drivers and best interests are met. His experience in coordinating projects through inception, design and approvals to ‘construction ready’ ensures he is well placed to provide targeted and effective commercial advice.

James Juhasz
(Director, Toowoomba)
James Juhasz is a tertiary qualified town planning consultant with a strong understanding of the development assessment process. James’ technical knowledge and personable approach to business, coupled with his unique analytical ability enable him to deliver innovative planning solutions based on client objectives, contemporary thinking and best practice techniques.
James has worked as a town planning consultant for over eight years, commencing his career in Brisbane. Over four years ago James relocated back to Toowoomba to establish a town planning office and has since delivered multiple projects and gained vast experience across regional Queensland. James provides town planning services to the urban development, energy, agriculture and infrastructure sectors as well as professional consultancy services to local government. In particular James’ key skills include:
- town planning approvals;
- due diligence advice;
- stakeholder consultation;
- statutory and strategic planning; and
- environmental approvals.

Amy Marsden
(Principal Planner, Brisbane )
Amy is an experienced urban planner with over 18 years experience in consulting, local and state governments. Amy is accomplished in interpretation of statutory frameworks, development assessment, community and stakeholder engagement, land use policy development and political processes.
Drawing on her varied experience, Amy is skilled at working with government, elected representatives and stakeholders to deliver solutions in complex scenarios.3She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Regional and Town Planning (Honours) from the University of Queensland and Graduate Certificate in Law (Planning and Resources) from QUT. She recently completed IAP2 Certificate in Engagement.

Alan Irvin
(Senior Town Planner, Brisbane)
Alan is a full member of the Planning Institute of Australia (PIA) with a Bachelor of Built Environment (Urban and Regional Planning) and a Graduate Diploma in Urban and Regional Planning from the Queensland University of Technology.
As a Senior Town Planner with PPA, Alan Irvin is methodical and energetic in his approach to work.
Alan is a full member of the Planning Institute of Australia (PIA) with a Bachelor of Built Environment (Urban and Regional Planning) and a Graduate Diploma in Urban and Regional Planning from the Queensland University of Technology.
Since graduating in 2007 Alan has worked in various capacities within the private consultancy environment facilitating the development approval process from site acquisition, due diligence to negotiating outcomes and stakeholder consultation.
In addition to his involvement with private consultancy, Alan has worked in the capacity of an assessment manager with local government and on secondment within the planning and property section of the emergency services department managing the acquisition and disposal of assets in addition to the ministerial designation process.
With a primary focus on the metropolitan region, Alan has also undertaken work in a variety of local governments and has undertaken secondment roles in the mining and resources sector.
Alan brings a strong background in statutory planning and a wide network of contacts within both the private and public sectors.

Louise Macpherson
(Town Planner , Brisbane )
Louise graduated from the Queensland University of Technology in 2015 with a Bachelor of Urban Development (Urban and Regional Planning) (First Class Honours). Louise joined PPA in 2016 as a Graduate Town Planner and has since developed a strong understanding of the development assessment process and planning legislation.
Louise has been involved in a diverse range of residential, commercial and industrial projects through South East Queensland working with a variety of local governments. Throughout her time at PPA, Louise has been involved in the development process from due diligence through to development approval and has experience with the preparation and monitoring of Development Applications, undertaking site investigations and due diligence assessments, preparing preliminary town planning advice, reviewing and identifying relevant Planning Scheme provisions to assess a projects compliance and coordinating sub-consultant inputs.

Madison Hinds
(Student Town Planner, Brisbane )
Madison is a third year Urban and Regional Planning student at Queensland University of Technology.
Madison commenced a Bachelor of Design (Architectural Studies) at Queensland University of Technology in 2013 before transferring to a Bachelor of Urban Development (Urban and Regional Planning) in 2016. Madison will graduate late 2019 with a Bachelor of Urban Development (Urban and Regional Planning) majoring in Architecture.
At PPA, Madison provides assistance with the preparation and processing of development applications.