As part of Habitat Planning’s growth strategy, we’re proud to announce our expansion into a new market — Canberra, ACT. In doing so, we’re pleased to welcome Haydon Murdoch to the team to lead this exciting venture throughout the capital region.

Haydon joins us with more than 15 years’ experience in urban planning across local and state government, having worked across multiple levels of the planning system, including preparation and implementation of regional plans and local strategic planning statements, development of local strategies, structure plans, planning proposals and complex applications.

Originally from the Riverina Murray region, Haydon has called Canberra home for the last 16 years, bringing both regional understanding, insight and capital city experience to Habitat. In his role as an Associate, Haydon will lead our presence in the ACT and broader capital region, from Yass Valley, Goulburn through to Queanbeyan-Palerang, and across to the NSW south-east coast. Supported by our existing teams in Albury, Wagga Wagga and Echuca, we look forward to building on our capability and footprint, and working alongside new and existing clients to deliver purpose-led planning outcomes.

Habitat Director, David Hunter says of this new venture ‘this expansion is the next step in a deliberate growth strategy, bringing locally embedded, regionally focused planning expertise to regions experiencing real and sustained growth. We’ve crossed paths with Haydon many a times in our work so whilst this is a well-considered and strategic move for Habitat, it also feels like the natural fit. His knowledge of the planning system and his relationships in the region means he arrives as a trusted local advisor and is backed by a broader team. We’re really pleased to have Haydon on board and sharing in our vision, and are looking forward to delivering meaningful work across the ACT and capital region.’

Image: Georgie James