About

Proudly established in 1981

40+ years of experience

Focused on strong client relationships

Since 1981, DFP Planning has provided urban and regional planning services to government, not-for-profit organisations and private sector clients. Our ongoing success relies on our professional team with qualifications and skills in town planning, urban design, heritage, environmental assessment and project management.

Our reputation is built on a respected and independent approach, tailored to meet the scale and complexity of the projects we work on in collaboration with our valued clients. We strive to combine our solid grounding in planning theory with our extensive practical experience and innovative solutions to meet the challenges of our changing world and to create better places for people to live, work and play. DFP works with clients and stakeholders across the whole of New South Wales from our base in the Sydney Metropolitan Area. Our team members bring a broad array of life experience and professional experience to their work and the key people undertaking our projects work closely with our clients, other specialist consultants and government agencies to achieve optimal outcomes. Several DFP team members are qualified under the Registered Environment Assessment Practitioner (REAP) scheme to provide the required certified services for State Significant Development and State Significant Infrastructure in New South Wales. We look forward to working with you to realise your goals and to help shape our collective future.

Get to know our team

We are an energetic and friendly team with over 40 years experience in solving complex planning issues.

We have an enviable reputation in providing best practice and cost effective advice to our clients on a diverse range of projects. Each Planner is responsible for client relationships to ensure the highest quality of service, advice and the best possible results for your project.

We look forward to working together.

Kendal Mackay

Managing Director

Kendal has nearly 30 years’ experience as a Town Planner and Transport Planner and took over from Rob Player as Managing Director of DFP in 2023. Together with Rob and Henry Burnett, Kendal is responsible for the day-to-day management and strategic direction of the business.

Kendal holds a Bachelor of Town Planning (with Honours) from the University of New South Wales, a Master of Transport Planning from Monash University. Kendal is also an accredited Registered Planner through the Planning Institute of Australia (PIA) and a Registered Environmental Assessment Planner (REAP).

Kendal has extensive expertise in all areas of statutory and strategic planning and particular skills in the areas of development contributions (Section 7.11, Section 7.12 and Planning Agreements), educational establishments, seniors housing, as well as complex residential, mixed use and large scale commercial/industrial developments.

Kendal regularly appears as an expert witness in the NSW Land and Environment Court appearing for applicants and consent authorities and has experience in land acquisition compensation matters.

Rob Player

Director

Rob has over 40 years’ experience as a planner at State and Local Government and as a Consultant Planner.

Rob holds a Bachelor of Arts (Earth Sciences) and a Masters Degree in Town and Country Planning from Sydney University. He is a corporate member of the Planning Institute of Australia and is also a member of the Environmental Planning Law Association, NSW.

Rob was the Managing Director of DFP for 27 years before handing over the reins in July 2023 to Kendal Mackay. Rob remains a Director of DFP and manages multi-disciplinary consultant teams and provides specialist town planning advice for projects. Rob is also frequently engaged as an expert planning witness in the NSW Land and Environment Court and other Courts.

Together with fellow Directors Kendal and Henry Burnett, Rob is responsible for the day-to-day management of the company and strategic direction of the business.

Henry Burnett

Director

Henry Burnett has over 14 years’ experience working as a town planner in local government and private consultancy and took over from David Kettle as Director in January 2024. Together with fellow Directors Kendal Mackay and Rob Player, Henry is responsible for the day-to-day management of the company and strategic direction of the business. Henry has extensive experience working within the NSW Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 across a diverse range of complex applications. Henry is skilled in stakeholder engagement, project management, expert evidence in the NSW Land and Environment Court and the provision of specialised and comprehensive statutory planning services. Henry holds a Bachelor of Planning, Macquarie University; Graduate Diploma Building Surveying, University of Western Sydney. Henry is also an accredited Registered Planner through the Planning Institute of Australia (PIA) and a Registered Environmental Assessment Planner (REAP).
David Kettle

Partner

David Kettle has over 30 years’ experience as a town planner. David commenced his career in local government before joining DFP at the beginning of 2004 and becoming a Director of the company in mid-2012. David passed the Director baton to Henry Burnett in 2024 and remains a Partner at DFP. David has experience in all facets of strategic and statutory planning including the management of projects for major development proposals. David’s experience covers a wide range of development types in Sydney and regional areas of NSW including seniors housing, greenfield residential subdivisions, education, health, commercial, retail and mixed use developments. David’s involvement in a wide range of projects and working at all levels of government and the development industry has provided him with an in depth understanding of the NSW planning system to assist both Private and Government Sectors. David holds a Bachelor of Science from Macquarie University and Master of Town and Country Planning Degree from the University of Sydney. David is also a Registered Member of the Planning Institute of Australia and a Registered Environmental Assessment Planner (REAP).
Brian McDonald

Principal Urban Designer

Brian joined DFP in February 2016 and has 43 years of experience in private practice and 15 years experience in the public sector. Brian has held numerous senior leadership positions including Managing Director of Brian McDonald and Associates, Director Caldis Cook Group and Director, HBO + EMTB Heritage Pty Ltd. Brian’s qualifications and experience cover architectural practice, urban planning and heritage conservation. He has a strong interest in heritage conservation and urban design. As an architect of over 50 years experience, Brian has an in-depth understanding of contemporary architectural practice, place making, development feasibility and land use planning. Brian has undertaken numerous planning and heritage studies and provides advisory, mediation and expert witness services. He has served on a variety of government panels including the Independent Assessment Panel for Manly Council, Cumberland Local Planning Panel, St George Design Review Panel and Lake Macquarie Design Review Panel. He currently serves on Mosman Local Planning and represents Inner West Council and Mosman Council on Regional Planning Panels. Brian has also previously represented the NSW Government Architect on the NSW Heritage Council. Brian holds degrees in architecture and a Master of Science in urban planning, Brian is also member of the Planning Institute of Australia. He was a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Architects and registered architect before retiring from architectural practice.
Natasha Bartley

Principal Planner

Natasha has over 22 years’ experience in urban design/ master planning and town planning and can offer a unique blend of design skills and statutory planning expertise. Natasha has worked on a diverse range of planning projects, including the preparation of State Significant Development Applications (SSDA)(Schools) development applications (DA’s) for larger scale residential developments (including TAFE Connected Learning Centres, Seniors Living, residential flat buildings, mixed use developments and subdivisions), commercial and industrial developments (retail, medical and warehouses), Complying Development Certificate and Exempt Development Planning Reports and Planning Proposals (PP) to amend Local Environmental Plans (zones, lot sizes). Natasha has significant experience in working alongside Developers and Councils to develop master plans/ concept plans/ subdivision designs for small and large scale residential/ commercial/ industrial estates and approval processes. Natasha holds a Master of Planning and is a Registered Planner and Registered Environmental Assessment Practitioner (REAP) with the Planning Institute of Australia (PIA). She has also completed the ‘Safer by Design’ course run by NSW Police and prepared numerous CPTED reports for various projects.
Cristie Evenhuis

Principal Planner

Cristie Evenhuis has 34 years’ experience working as a town planner in local government and private consultancy.

Cristie has extensive experience in many facets of planning including the assessment of an extensive and diverse range of development applications and the preparation and presentation of evidence in the NSW Land and Environment Court. Cristie is skilled in preparation of Statement of Environmental Effects for complex development proposals, preparation of Environmental Impact Statements, preparation of Planning Proposals, due diligence investigations and feasibility studies for a variety of commercial development proposals, employment lands studies and major commercial centre studies.

Cristie holds a Bachelor or Town and Regional Planning, University of Pretoria, South Africa; Bachelor of Arts (Majors Economics and Sociology), University of South Africa; and Diploma of Leadership and Manager, Institute of Strategic Management.

Thomas West

Senior Project Planner

Tom joined DFP in November 2020 after completing a Master of Planning at Macquarie University. He has a good understanding of State and Council planning controls and their application in an array of developments, as well as the preparation of a range of planning reports.

Tom has had experience working on a range of projects throughout Sydney and more broadly NSW. He is responsible for the preparation of planning reports, including Statement of Environmental Effects, Clause 4.6 Written Request Variations, Exempt and Complying Development Advice, Review of Environmental Factors and the provision of Preliminary Town Planning Advice Letters.

Tyler Pickles

Project Planner

Tyler joined DFP in January 2023 after working at The Hills Shire Council as a development assessment officer. He has a good understanding of State and Council planning controls and development applications.

Tyler has had experience assessing developing applications. He is responsible for the preparation of planning reports, including Statement of Environmental Effects, Clause 4.6 Written Request Variations, Exempt and Complying Development Advice, Review of Environmental Factors and the provision of Town Planning Advice Letters.
Since joining DFP Planning, Tyler has worked on a range of projects, including educational establishments, residential developments, and commercial developments.

Bachelor of Construction Management, University of South Australia

Graduate Certificate in Urban and Regional Planning, University of Queensland

Emma Calvar

Assistant Project Planner

Emma joined DFP Planning after completing a Bachelor of Architecture and Environments at the University of Sydney and is currently pursuing a Master of Planning at the University of Technology Sydney.

Since joining DFP Planning, Emma has worked across a range of projects, including educational institutions and residential developments. She assists in the preparation of various planning reports including Statement of Environmental Effects and Review of Environmental Factors.

Careers

Do you have what it takes to join our dynamic team?

DFP is expanding and looking for an experienced, career-focused professional to join our team as Principal Planner, with the enthusiasm to guide junior staff and manage a wide variety of statutory and strategic planning projects.

Who We Are

DFP is an energetic and friendly team led by a forward-thinking team of Directors with over 40 years’ experience in solving complex planning issues and providing independent town planning consultancy services.

We are focused on strong client relationships and delivering quality and timely services to government, not-for-profit organisations and private sector clients.

DFP works on a broad range of projects throughout NSW including education, residential, commercial, industrial and public infrastructure.

For more information about DFP visit www.dfpplanning.com.au.

Your Role

As a Principal Planner you will:

  • Undertake due diligence, feasibility and planning pathway assessments;
  • Manage Planning Applications including preparation of Statement of Environmental Effects, Review of Environmental Factors and Environmental Impact Statements;
  • Prepare Planning Proposals; and
  • Provide expert witness services to the private and public sector in the NSW Land and Environment Court.

Your Capabilities

As a Principal Planner you will:

  • Have tertiary town planning qualifications and be a member of, or be eligible for membership to, the Planning Institute of Australia (PIA);
  • Have a minimum of 7 years’ experience in town planning in NSW with a town planning consultancy, local council or State government;
  • Be eligible to become a Registered Environmental Assessment Practitioner (REAP);
  • Possess a good working knowledge of the EP&A Act and associated legislation and the NSW planning system;
  • Have an interest in building a client base and contributing to business development;
  • Have good time management skills and the ability to work within set budgets and manage deadlines;
  • Manage complex projects and work on multiple projects concurrently;
  • Manage and mentor junior planners in the business;
  • The capability to work independently and in small teams;
  • Demonstrate creative problem solving abilities;
  • Have good verbal and written communication skills; and
  • Hold a current driver’s licence.

Why DFP
A Total Remuneration Package that will include:

  • An attractive base salary based on experience and qualifications to be negotiated with the right candidate;
    – 12% compulsory superannuation calculated on the base salary;
    – Quarterly bonuses subject to performance (to which compulsory 12% superannuation applies);
    – Salary continuance insurance (for eligible persons);
    – Professional membership subscription/s;
    – Access to a DFP mobile phone and phone plan;
    – Training, courses, seminars and conferences to stay current and to meet continuing professional development obligations;
  • Conveniently located a short 2 minute walk from Macquarie Park Metro Station and bus services;
  • Excellent work environment including a modern open plan office with end of trip facilities;
  • Opportunities for professional and career development; and
  • Flexible working arrangements with agreement of the Directors (e.g. flexi-time, working from home, etc).

Apply Now
Please send your CV and cover letter addressing your skills, qualifications, experience and why you’d like to join DFP via the Careers Submission form on our website.

Are you are interested in making a difference and shaping the future built form and natural environment of our cities and regions?

Do you want to join a respected company and a team of open-minded and friendly colleagues that deliver quality outcomes?

Are you looking to progress your career and broaden your experience by working with our Directors, Partners, Principal Planners and Heritage/Urban Designers on projects to achieve high quality results for our clients and the community?

Do you enjoy challenging yourself to apply innovative and creative approaches to overcome obstacles and arrive at better outcomes?

Do you want flexible working arrangements, excellent remuneration and a range of rewards and benefits?

Then becoming a Project Planner at DFP is the role for you.

Who We Are

DFP is an energetic and friendly team led by a forward thinking team of Directors with over 40 years experience in solving complex planning issues and providing independent town planning consultancy services.

We are focused on strong client relationships and delivering quality and timely services to government, not-for-profit organisations and private sector clients.

DFP works on a broad range of projects throughout NSW including education, residential, commercial, industrial and public infrastructure.

For more information about DFP visit www.dfpplanning.com.au.

Your Role
As a Project Planner you will have the opportunity to work on projects within a supportive team environment including:

  • Planning Applications;
  • Planning Proposals; and
  • Planning Advice.

We will assist you to build your career, develop areas of interest, form client relationships and generate new business.

Your Capabilities
As a Project Planner you will:

  • Have tertiary town planning qualifications and be a member of, or be eligible for membership to, the Planning Institute of Australia (PIA);
  • Have at least 2 years’ experience in town planning in NSW with a town planning consultancy, local council or state government;
  • Have an understanding of the EP&A Act and associated legislation and the NSW planning system;
  • Have good time management and the ability to work within set budgets and manage deadlines;
  • Have good verbal and written communication skills;
  • Demonstrate creative problem solving abilities; and
  • Hold a current driver’s licence.

Why DFP:

  • A Total Remuneration Package that will include:
    – An attractive base salary based on experience and qualifications to be negotiated with the right candidate;
    – 12% compulsory superannuation calculated on the base salary;
    – Quarterly bonuses subject to performance (to which compulsory 12% superannuation applies);
    – Salary continuance insurance (for eligible persons);
    – Professional membership subscription/s;
    – Access to a DFP mobile phone and phone plan;
    – Training, courses, seminars and conferences to stay current and to meet continuing professional development obligations;
  • Conveniently located a short 2 minute walk from Macquarie Park Metro Station and bus services;
  • Excellent work environment including a modern open plan office with end of trip facilities;
  • Opportunities for professional and career development; and
  • Flexible working arrangements with agreement of the Directors (e.g. flexi-time, working from home, etc).

Apply Now
Please send your CV and cover letter addressing your skills, qualifications, experience and why you’d like to join DFP via the Careers Submission form on our website.

Careers Submission

Express your interest and upload your resume below.

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