Ben Battist
- Bachelor of Built Environment – Urban and Regional Planning (with Distinction)
- Graduate Diploma in Urban and Regional Planning
(with Distinction) - Graduate Certificate in Property Economics (Property Development)
Having graduated from the Queensland University of Technology, Ben joined Brisbane City Council as a Town Planner in Development Assessment where he specialised in the assessment of development applications (including major residential, industrial and commercial projects) as well as appeals in the Planning & Environment Court.
In 2003, Ben was appointed Senior Town Planner in a prominent Brisbane based consultancy where he was later made an Associate Director. During this period, he undertook further studies in Property Economics specialising in Property Development. Whilst continuing work in development assessment and planning appeals, Ben was extensively involved in the implementation of the Industry Involvement in Development Assessment (IIDA) Pilot Program which has now been formally implemented by Brisbane City Council through the Risk Smart Program.
Ben’s extensive experience in both public and private sectors has enabled him to gain comprehensive working knowledge of the Queensland Planning System.
Jenny Wesche - Senior Town Planner (Part-Time)
Bachelor of Regional and Town Planning (Hons) – UQ
Jenny graduated from the University of Queensland in 1984 and commenced her career in planning in the former Lands Department where she worked on land information system projects reviewing government land holdings. Jenny then gained overseas experience in development assessment working as a town planner with Newham Borough in London Councils.
Upon returning to Queensland, Jenny joined Brisbane City Council where she gained extensive experience in Council’s development assessment teams. Jenny was ultimately appointed in a senior planning delegatory role, managing and reviewing a wide range of development applications and providing input into Council’s planning scheme review as well as various planning appeals.
Since joining iPlan in 2014, Jenny’s in-depth knowledge in development assessment and the Queensland planning system has been invaluable in the preparation of detailed preliminary investigations for potential site acquisitions as well as in preparation of development applications for sites throughout Queensland and Victoria.
For Tradecoast Developments Pty Ltd, Ben’s ability to steer applications from lodgement through to approval has delivered a 100% approval rate. His most recent success in gaining Development Approval for our current project, the Gateway International Hotel at Morningside has been a testament to his professionalism. This approval has been an extraordinarily difficult approval to achieve, given it’s location, traffic and Qld Rail implications as well as some very complex town planning issues with the Brisbane City Council. Ben’s knowledge of the planning scheme and workings of the Brisbane City Council planning department as well as his patience and determination delivered us a successful outcome.
I recommend Ben Battiste without hesitation or reservation.