From vision to reality: Think Planners shaping communities
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Discover how reliable and fast connectivity is empowering an Australian town planning agency to reshape the blueprint for urban development.
Urban development in today’s world is more complex and challenging than ever.
As cities expand and populations grow, the need for thoughtful planning, sustainable design and effective navigation of regulatory frameworks becomes paramount.
This is where experts at Think Planners come in.
Introducing Think Planners
Play 'The pivotal role digital connectivity plays in town planning' video (duration 2:33).
What started 10 years ago as a small operation around a table has grown into a thriving town planning agency that’s making a real impact in the industry.
From assisting with permit applications to providing advice on building communities designed to last, Think Planners has found its unique gap in the market.
Based in Parramatta, New South Wales, and led by Adam Byrnes, the team brings deep expertise in master planning, design excellence and local government processes.
At the forefront of innovation, it champions using smart technology in development plans to ensure every project is not only well-designed but also ready for the future.
For Think Planners, urban planning becomes more than a process – it’s about shaping spaces that bring people together, spark inspiration and stand the test of time.
Connectivity drives us forward
According to Think Planners, technology and dependable connectivity are the foundations of everything it does.
“A barista needs a good coffee machine, a pilot needs a good aeroplane, and a town planner needs good connectivity,” says Adam Byrnes, Partner and Director at Think Planners.
Handling vast amounts of data, from intricate 3D renders to detailed architectural plan files, Think Planners relies on seamless digital operations to keep workflows efficient and minimise delays for clients.
“The moment we open our doors, the entire day revolves around digital connectivity. It’s at the heart of everything we do.”
Think Planners recently took advantage of nbn’s fibre upgrades^, moving from a plan with their retailer based on nbn's wholesale 50 Mbps download speed tier on Fibre to the Node to one based on nbn's wholesale 500 to close to 1000 Mbps download speed tier on Fibre to the Premises technology#.
Reliable connectivity over the nbn® network, doesn’t just keep projects on track, it also enhances collaboration, empowering teams to swiftly share, download and edit even the largest files with clients and stakeholders alike##.
With the help of reliable## and fast connectivity, Think Planners ensures every project moves forward with precision and efficiency.
Adam Byrnes
The rise of smart cities
Smart cities – with features like public Wi-Fi, rapid emergency response systems and advanced digital infrastructure – are revolutionising how communities operate.
“Essential services have moved well beyond gas, sewer, water, to now embrace digital technology,” says Adam, highlighting the need for a technology-driven approach to urban planning.
This transformation brings exciting challenges for urban planners, from ensuring that access to technology enhances daily life and enables swift communication with emergency services, to fostering authentic human connections in an increasingly digital age.
Think Planners views advancements in Artificial Intelligence, Virtual Reality and data analysis as powerful tools that are reshaping the future of urban planning.
These innovations pave the way for smarter, more flexible communities that keep pace with society’s evolving needs. However, the success of such advancements depends on one critical factor: fast, reliable connectivity.##
Empowering businesses across Australia
Connectivity isn’t just a convenience for businesses, it’s a cornerstone of success in a rapidly evolving digital economy.
“Dependable connectivity plays a vital role in enabling businesses to innovate and thrive,” says Adam.
For Think Planners, this reliable connectivity turns the challenges of urban growth into opportunities.
By leveraging fast, dependable digital infrastructure, it maintains seamless operations while embracing cutting-edge technologies.
The nbn network forms the foundation of its ability to navigate the different stages and complexities of urban planning.
As the nbn network continues to lift Australia’s digital capability, it paves the way for innovation across industries.
Together, nbn and Think Planners is showcasing the transformative power of connection, enabling progress, shaping vibrant futures, and driving growth for communities across the nation.
Note: At the time this case study was prepared, Think Planners were on nbn’s Fibre to the Node (FTTN) technology via their service provider. nbn is very happy with Think Planner’s experience with the nbn® network. Of course, experiences may vary. Your experience, including the speeds actually achieved over the nbn® network depends on the nbn® access network technology and configuration over which services are delivered to your premises, whether you are using the internet during the busy period, and some factors outside nbn’s control like equipment quality, software, broadband plan, signal reception and how your service provider designs its network.
^ Conditions, eligibility criteria and costs will apply – please speak with your preferred provider. Eligibility criteria includes among other things, being designated by nbn as a simple premises and placing an order for an nbn powered plan based on an eligible wholesale speed tier. Additional costs may apply to providers, who may choose to pass this charge onto their customers.
# nbn provides wholesale services and not all providers offer plans based on the full range of nbn services. An end customer’s experience, including speeds actually achieved, depends on some factors outside nbn’s control (like equipment quality, software, and how a retail service provider designs its network) and the nbn technology used for the connection. Regardless of the retail service an end customer purchases, the actual wholesale download speeds delivered for the 500 to ~1000 Mbps plan will be less than 1000 Mbps due to equipment and network limitations.
## An end customer’s experience, including speeds actually achieved, depends on some factors outside nbn’s control (like equipment quality, software, and how a retail service provider designs its network) and the nbn technology used for the connection.