28/08/2026
When clients engage MLS, they are not just looking for advice on planning rules and development approvals. They are looking for someone who can listen, understand their goals, solve problems and help them navigate what can often feel like a complicated process. Building those relationships and communicating clearly is a key part of what we do every day.
Those qualities were at the heart of a recent interview with our Senior Planner, Linda Ferguson, as part of the Taree Universities Campus Human Library initiative. The program provides students with the opportunity to hear firsthand from local professionals about their careers, the challenges they face, and what their day-to-day work is really like.
During the interview, Linda spoke about the role of a planner and the importance of understanding the people behind every project. Drawing on her experience across the Manning Valley, she explained that while planning is often viewed as a technical profession, success comes from listening to clients, understanding their goals and providing practical advice that reflects both planning requirements and local knowledge. With every property, family and project being unique, an understanding of the local area, Council expectations and community context helps ensure clients receive advice that is realistic, achievable and tailored to their individual circumstances.
By participating in the Human Library, Linda was able to share not only what planners do, but why the profession is ultimately about people. Listening, communicating and working collaboratively are just as important as understanding planning legislation, and these are the skills that help our clients achieve the best possible outcomes.
We thank Taree Universities Campus for the opportunity and are proud to contribute to initiatives that encourage students to explore career pathways while highlighting the value that local professionals bring to our community.
