Sponsoring VPELA 2026: Shaping Victoria's Built Environment Futures

The places we inhabit across Victoria start as ideas: strategic policies, planning frameworks, and urban designs aimed at meeting shifting community needs. As our state balances housing density targets, climate adaptation, and major infrastructure investment, establishing clear alignment between heritage conservation and urban growth is essential.

That is why Heritage Workshop is sponsoring the 2026 VPELA State Planning Conference, "The Futures We Imagine," taking place on 27–28 August 2026 in Lorne.

Why We Are Sponsoring VPELA 2026

Our Next-Generation Conservation approach centres on practical, grounded advice. Heritage is not a static constraint; when identified early, heritage places and local identity create value for developments and regional communities alike.

The Victorian Planning and Environmental Law Association (VPELA) brings together town planners, environmental lawyers, architects, and decision-makers across state and local government. Sponsoring this year's conference directly reflects our commitment to industry collaboration.

We believe that equipping built-environment leaders with rigorous evidence and clear statutory direction leads to better planning outcomes, fewer VCAT delays, and design solutions that respect context while meeting 21st-century requirements.

Looking Forward to Connecting in Lorne

This year's program addresses the critical questions facing Victoria's growth corridors, regional towns, and established neighbourhoods. From Healthy Streets and AI in planning to key insights from state planning leadership, the sessions highlight how cross-disciplinary strategies turn policy goals into real-world places.

We are looking forward to joining these discussions, learning alongside industry peers, and sharing practical insights on how strategic heritage advice helps streamline the planning process.

Connect with Heritage Workshop

Are you attending the VPELA State Planning Conference on 27–28 August? We would welcome the opportunity to discuss your upcoming projects, statutory planning challenges, or site feasibility across Victoria. Reach out to Dr James Lesh and the team at Heritage Workshop ahead of the event to schedule a catch-up in Lorne.