Business Details
19 Years
experience
Your Trusted Town Planning Partner in Queensland
Milford Planning is a professional, dynamic and accountable team of town planners dedicated to providing expert town planning and development advice across north and regional Queensland. Established in 2007, we have built a reputation for excellence in delivering pragmatic and well-rounded planning solutions that are critical for realising projects vital to regional Queensland's prosperity. Our team combines deep local knowledge with extensive experience in both private and public sector planning, offering flexible and efficient services tailored to client needs. We specialise in development applications, environmental approvals, land use policy, and urban design, with a proven track record in navigating complex regulatory frameworks. Our commitment to innovation is demonstrated through digital planning tools and collaborative approaches with multidisciplinary teams.With a strong focus on community engagement and sustainable outcomes, we serve a diverse client base including developers, local governments, and community organisations. Our team's expertise extends to expert witness services, development submissions, and planning training programs. As one of Queensland's most resourced regionally-based consultancies, we understand the unique challenges of rural and regional development. Our strategic partnerships with surveyors, engineers, and legal professionals enable seamless delivery of complex projects. We actively contribute to industry development through staff involvement in professional and community organisations.
Services
Development Applications
Environmental Approvals
Land Use Planning
Mapping Services
Expert Witness
Public Consultation
Planning Training
Marine Works Approvals
Due Diligence Reports
Policy Development
Details
- Year established: 2007
Highlights and features
- We offer 18+ years of combined experience in regional Queensland planning
- Our team holds Fast Track Accreditation with Townsville City Council
- We specialise in complex environmental approvals for sensitive ecosystems
- We maintain a 95% success rate in development application submissions
- Our collaborative approach integrates surveyors, engineers, and legal experts
Associations and certifications
- Townsville City Council Fast Track Accreditation
Services
Development Applications
We specialise in preparing and managing development applications under Queensland's Planning Act 2016. Our streamlined approach ensures compliance with all regulatory requirements while minimising assessment timeframes. With strong relationships with local councils and government agencies, we deliver strategic advice to maximise approval prospects for residential, commercial, and industrial projects.
Environmental Approvals
Our team manages approvals for projects with potential environmental impacts, including quarries, feedlots, and coastal developments. We navigate state and federal regulations, including the Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999, to deliver practical solutions that balance development needs with environmental protection requirements.
Land Use Planning
We create tailored planning schemes and policies that respond to local contexts. Our expertise includes preparing master plans, flood zone web applications, and development assessment frameworks that align with regional growth patterns while maintaining regulatory compliance and community needs.
Expert Witness Services
Our director provides expert witness testimony in planning and environment court matters. We prepare joint expert reports and deliver evidence in appeals and land resumption cases, leveraging deep understanding of Queensland's planning legislation and court procedures.
Marine Works Approvals
We specialise in approvals for marine and tidal projects requiring state and council assessment. Our experience includes major infrastructure projects like the Ross Creek Promenade and Palm Island jetty replacements, ensuring compliance with environmental and navigational regulations.
People
George Milford
Director
With 20+ years' experience, George founded Milford Planning in 2007 after working with Cardwell Shire Council. He holds planning qualifications from the University of Queensland and actively contributes to Townsville's business and sporting communities.
Sarah Jones
Senior Town Planner
Sarah brings 25+ years' international planning experience, specialising in client management and sustainable development solutions. She joined Milford Planning in 2016 after working in both local government and private sectors across Australia.
Matteo Sandona
Senior Town Planner
Matteo has worked on regional planning projects since 2016, combining his James Cook University honours degree with practical experience in planning schemes and development approvals. He grew up on a Burdekin sugarcane farm.
Pamela Milford
Operations Manager
Pam brings 20+ years' management experience from healthcare to oversee financial operations. She transitioned to planning in 2020, applying her expertise in process improvement and business management to support Milford's operations.
Macy Atkinson
Town Planner
Macy joined Milford Planning in 2022 after completing her degree at QUT. Her international upbringing informs her approach to urban development, and she focuses on applying academic knowledge to practical planning challenges.
Questions
What areas do Milford Planning service?
We primarily service north and regional Queensland, including Townsville, Charters Towers, Hinchinbrook, and surrounding areas.
What types of planning approvals do you handle?
We manage all development approvals under the Planning Act 2016, including environmental assessments, marine works, and complex infrastructure projects.
Can you assist with fast-track development applications?
Yes, we're accredited under Townsville City Council's Fast Track program for accelerated assessment processes and discounted fees.
Do you offer planning training services?
We provide tailored training programs for councils, professionals, and community groups on planning processes and policy implementation.
How do you handle community consultation?
We prioritise early stakeholder engagement to address concerns proactively, ensuring smoother approval processes for development projects.
