Dr Peter Williams

Lecturer
BSc (UNSW), BLegS (Macq), MPubPol (UNE), MEnvPlan (Macq), PhD (UOW)

Email: Peter.Williams1@nd.edu.au

  • Biography

    Peter Williams joined the School of Law, Sydney at the University of Notre Dame at the beginning of 2017. Prior to this appointment Peter was an academic for 24 years in the Faculty of the Built Environment at the University of New South Wales. Peter set up the Master of Planning (MPlan) degree at UNSW in 2006 and was the Head of this degree from 2007 - 2012. Peter was appointed Director of the Planning Program from 2009 - 2012, with responsibility for the Faculty's Bachelor of Planning and Master of Planning degrees. Prior to joining UNSW in 1993, Peter worked for 14 years n the private and public sectors, including the planning and urban research consultancy firm Plant Location International (Australia) Pty Limited, the Land Commission of NSW, National Parks and Wildlife Service, the Land and Environment Court and the Department of Mineral Resources. He is a regular contributor to "In the Courts" in New Planner, the journal of the NSW Division of the Planning Institute of Australia.

  • Teaching areas

    Planning Law, Environmental Law, Natural Resources Law, Local Government Law, Heritage Law, Indigenous Law

  • Research expertise and supervsion

    Planning Law, Environmental Law, Development Assessment, Natural Resources Law, Local Government Law, Heritage Law, Indigenous Law, Property Rights, Planning Policy, Sustainable Development, Biodiversity Conservation, Affordable Housing, Administrative Law, Constitutional Law\

  • Books

    Williams, P. (Ed.) (2016). The Environmental Law Handbook. 6th edn., Pyrmont, NSW: Thomson Reuters.

  • Book chapters

    • Williams, P. (2016). Governance, Property Rights and Planning in Peri-Urban Areas: Greater Sydney Case Study. In M.Kennedy, A. Butt & M. Amati (Eds.), Conflict and Change in Australia's Peri-Urban Landscapes (pp. 148-164). Abingdon, Oxon: Routledge.
    • Williams P. & Williams, A. (2016). Managing Urban Intensification through Conservation Covenants. In R. Leshinsky & C. Legacy (Eds.), Instruments of Planning: Tensions and Challenges for More Equitable and Sustainable Cities (pp. 155-169). New York: Routledge.
    • Williams, P. (2016). The structure and scope of environmental law. In P. Williams (Ed.), The Environmental Law Handbook (pp. 1-29). 6th edn., Pyrmont, NSW: Thomson Reuters.
    • Williams, P. (2016). Building blocks of environmental law. In P. Williams (Ed.), The Environmental Law Handbook (pp. 31-87). 6th edn., Pyrmont, NSW: Thomson Reuters.
    • Williams, P. (2016). Development. In P. Williams (Ed.), The Environmental Law Handbook (pp.157-273). 6th edn., Pyrmont, NSW: Thomson Reuters.
    • Williams, P. (2016). Catchment management. In P. Williams (Ed.), The Environmental Law Handbook (pp. 763-785). 6th edn., Pyrmont NSW: Thomson Reuters.
    • Williams, P. (2013). The Rise of Property Rights: Implications for Urban Planning, Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation in Australia. In N. Hopkins (Ed.), Modern Studies in Property Law - Volume 7 (pp. 291-320). Oxford: Hart Publishing Ltd.
    • Freestone, R. & Williams, P. (2012). Urban Planning. In D. Clune, & R. Smith (Eds.), From Carr to Kenneally: Labor in office 1995-2011 (pp. 193-206). Sydney: Allen & Unwin.
    • Williams, P. (2012). Statutory planning. In S. Thompson, & P. Maginn (Eds.), Planning Australia: An Overview of Urban and Regional Planning (2 ed., pp. 98-123). Melbourne: Cambridge University Press.
    • Williams, P. & Smart, R. (2012). Planning and the natural environment. In S. Thompson, & P. Maginn (Eds.), Planning Australia: An Overview of Urban and Regional Planning (2 ed., pp. 127-154). Melbourne: Cambridge University Press.
    • Williams, P. & Maginn, P. J. (2012). Planning and governance. In S. Thompson, & P. Maginn (Eds.), Planning Australia: An Overview of Urban and Regional Planning (2 ed., pp. 34-55). Melbourne: Cambridge University Press.
    • Williams, P. (2007) 'Government, people and politics', in Thompson, S. (ed.) Planning Australia: An overview of urban and regional planning, Port Melbourne: Cambridge University Press.
    • Williams, P. (2007) 'Planning and the legislative framework', in Thompson, S. (ed.) Planning Australia: An overview of urban and regional planning, Port Melbourne: Cambridge University Press.
    • Williams, P. (2007) 'The natural environment', in Thompson, S. (ed.) Planning Australia: An overview of urban and regional planning, Port Melbourne: Cambridge University Press.
    • Williams, P. (2007) 'Environmental Impact Assessment in New South Wales: An Overview', in Tai, B., Murphy, P. and Rana, P. (ed.) Environmental Impact Assessment: Indo-Australian Perspective, New Delhi: Bookwell.

  • Journal articles and proceedings

    • Williams, P. and Williams, A. (2016) 'Sustainability and planning law in Australia: Achievements and challenges', International Journal of Law in the Built Environment, 8(3).
    • Foley, N. and Williams, P. (2016) 'Funding and Governance of Regional Public Land Acquisition in Perth and Sydney', Urban Policy and Research, 34(3), 199-211.
    • Williams, P. (2015) 'The affordable housing conundrum: shifting policy approaches in Australia', Town Planning Review, 86(6), 651-675.
    • Williams, P. (2014) 'The course of statutory planning system reform and fast-tracking development', Environmental and Planning Law Journal, 31(6), 439-449.
    • Williams, P. (2014) 'The 'Panelization' of Planning Decision-Making in Australia', Planning Practice & Research, 29(4), 426-447.
    • Williams P. (2014) 'Growing houses and trees: Integrating biodiversity conservation and urbanisation - An Australian case study', International Journal of Law in the Built Environment, 6(1/2), 152-173.
    • Williams, P. (2012) 'Managing urbanisation and environmental protection in Australian cities: Approaches for integrating biodiversity and urban growth in Sydney', International Journal of Law in the Built Environment, 4(3), 217-232.
    • Williams, P. (2012) 'The curious case of property rights in the NSW planning system and its reluctance to adopt transferable development rights', Local Government Law Journal, 17(2), 61-79.
    • Kelly, A., Jackson, T. And Williams, P. (2012) 'Strategic environmental assessment: Lessons for New South Wales, Australia, from Scottish practice', Impact Assessment and Project Appraisal, 30(2), 75-84.
    • Pearson, L. and Williams, P. (2009) 'The New South Wales planning reforms: Undermining external merits review of land-use decision-making?' Environmental and Planning Law Journal, 26(1), 19-34.
    • Freestone, R., Williams, P., Thompson, S. and Trembath, K. (2007) 'A quantitative approach to assessment of work-based learning outcomes: an urban planning application', Higher Education Research and Development, 26(4), 347-361.
    • Freestone, R., Thompson, S. and Williams, P. (2006) 'Student experiences of work placements in planning education', Journal of Planning Education and Research, 4(3), 237-249.
    • Freestone, R., Williams, P. and Bowden, A. (2006) 'Fly Buy Cities: Some Planning Aspects of Airport Privatisation in Australia', Urban Policy and Research, 24(4), 491-508.
    • Williams, P. (2005) 'The Land and Environment Court's Planning Principles: Relationship with planning theory and practice' Environmental and Planning Law Journal, 22(6), 401-408.
    • Williams, P. (2005) 'Statutory Planning and Affordable and Social Housing Provision: A Comparison of Recent Irish and Australian Experience, Dublin University Law Journal, 27, 284-302.
    • Williams, P. (2004) 'Use of transferable development rights as a growth management tool', Environmental and Planning Law Journal, 21(2), 105-123.
    • Williams, P. (2000) 'Inclusionary Zoning and Affordable Housing in Sydney', Urban Policy and Research, 18(3), 291-310.
    • Williams, P. (1997) 'Inclusionary zoning and strategic planning: affordable housing case study', Australian Planner, 34(1), 16-21.
    • Williams, P. (1997) 'Out-foxing the people? Recent state involvement in the planning system', Urban Policy and Research, 15(2), 129-136.
    • Henegan, M. and Williams, P. (1996), 'Planning in the twilight zone: the effect of ICAC on planning practice in NSW', Australian Planner, 33(1), 50-54.
    • Williams, P. (1989) 'The housing crisis – nature, causes, and possible remedies', Economic Papers, 8(3), 70-87.

  • Conference papers

    Conference Papers - International

    • Williams, P. and Williams, A. (2015) 'Planning Law and Sustainability in Australia: Achievements and Challenges', in M. Macoun & K. Maier (eds.), Definite Space - Fuzzy Responsibility. Book of Proceedings AESOP Annual Congress 2015 (pp. 749-760). Prague, Czech Republic.
    • Williams, P. and Williams, A. (2014) 'Planning reform and fast-tracking development in Australia', Proceedings 30th ARCOM Conference, University of Portsmouth, UK, 1-3 September 2014.
    • Williams, P. and Foley, N. (2014) 'Preserving green landscapes: Regional public land acquisition in Perth and Sydney', Landscapes and ecologies of urban and planning history: Proceedings of the 12th Australasian Urban History/Planning History Conference, Wellington, NZ, 2-5 February 2014.
    • Williams, P. and Williams, A. (2013) 'Use of conservation covenants in land use management: An Australian perspective', AESOP-ACSP Joint Congress 2013, University College Dublin, Ireland, 15-19 July 2013.
    • Freestone, R. and Williams, P. (2012) 'From Carr to Keneally: The business of planning in New South Wales 1995-2011', Urban Transformations: Proceedings of the 11th Australasian Urban History/Planning History Conference, University of Western Australia, Perth, 5-8 February 2012.
    • Williams, P. (2012) 'The rise of property rights: Implications for urban planning, environmental protection and biodiversity conservation in Australia' Modern Studies in Property Law 2012, 9th Biennial Conference, School of Law, University of Southampton, 21-23 March 2012.
    • Williams. P. (2011) 'Integrating regulation, market based instruments and property rights in urban growth management and natural resource conservation: A Sydney case study', Track 15 (Planning Law, Administration and Property Rights), 3rd World Planning Schools Congress, Perth (WA), 4-8 July 2011.
    • Goh, L. and Williams, P. (2011) 'The legal and administrative challenges in managing public land in Sydney: a case study of State and Commonwealth land', Track 15 (Planning Law, Administration and Property Rights, 3rd World Planning Schools Congress, Perth (WA), 4-8 July 2011.
    • Williams, P. (2010) 'Managing urbanisation and environmental protection in Australian cities – approaches for integrating biodiversity and urban growth in Sydney, Proceedings of COBRA Research Conference 2010: W113 Legal Research Symposium, L'Université Paris-Dauphine, Paris, France, 2-3 September 2010.
    • Williams, P. (2009) 'Beyond command regulation – approaches for the management of urban growth and the conservation of natural resources', AESOP 2009 Congress, University of Liverpool, 15-18 July 2009.
    • Jackson, A., Kelly, A. and Williams, P. (2008) 'Comparison of strategic environmental assessment in New South Wales and Scotland', Proceedings of the International Association for Impact Assessment Conference 2008, Perth, May 2008.
    • Williams, P., Freestone, R. and Thompson, S. (2008) 'Quantifying Student Perceptions of Work Experience to Assess the Effectiveness of Practice Based', ANZAPS Conference 2008 'Planning in a Globalised World' – Conference Proceedings, University of Sydney, Sydney, 141-157.
    • Williams, P, Freestone, R. and Thompson, S. (2007) 'Measuring the Effectiveness of Practice-based Learning: Monitoring Student Perceptions of Work Experience', Third Annual Built Environment Education Conference (BEECON 2007), London, September 2007.
    • Williams, P. (2007) 'Planning reform and its implications for practice: the Australian experience', University of Dundee School of Social Sciences: Town and Regional Planning, Dundee, September 2007.
    • Williams, P. (2007) 'The Sydney Metropolitan Strategy, 2004 to Present' School of Geography, Planning & Environmental Policy, University College Dublin, September 2007.
    • Williams, P., Freestone, R. and Thompson, S. (2006) 'Qualitative and Quantitative Approaches to Monitoring Work Based Learning', Second Annual Built Environment Education Conference (BEECON 2006), London, September 2006.
    • Williams, P. (2006) 'Integrating Urban Settlement Policy: The Role of Spatial Planning, Governance and the Regulatory Framework', International Conference on the Role of Socio-Economic and Spatial Planning in National Economic Development, New Delhi, April 2006.
    • Williams, P. (2006) 'Affordable housing provision through the statutory planning system: the use of inclusionary zoning', Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, April 2006.
    • Freestone, R., Trembath, K., Thompson, S. and Williams, P. (2005) 'A Quantitative Approach to Assessment of Work-Based Learning Outcomes in Urban Planning Education', ACSP Conference, Kansas City, October 2005.
    • Williams, P. (2005) 'Affordable and social housing provision through the statutory planning system: A comparison of recent Irish and Australian experience', National Conference of Irish Geographers, National University of Ireland, Galway, May 2005.
    • Freestone, R., Thompson, S. and Williams, P. (2004) 'Student experience of work-based learning in planning education', ACSP Conference, Portland, October 2004.
    • Freestone, R., Thompson, S. and Williams, P. (2004) 'Work-based learning: Industry placement in the UNSW Planning Program', Proceedings of the ANZAPS Conference, Curtin University, Perth, 12-37.
    • Williams, P. (2001) 'After the flame is extinguished: Post-Games use of Olympic facilities', National Conference of Irish Geographers, University of Cork, May 2001.
    • Williams, P. (2000) 'Planning initiatives for the delivery of affordable housing – Sydney case study', ICQOLC 2000, Proceedings of the Second International Conference on Quality of Life in Cities, National University of Singapore, Singapore, March 2000.


    Conference Papers - Australia

    • Williams, P. (2013) 'Governance, property rights and planning in peri-urban areas: Greater Sydney case study', in T. Budge (Ed.), Beyond the Edge: Australia's First Peri-Urban Conference. La Trobe University, Melbourne
    • Foley, N. and Williams, P. (2013) 'Governance of public land acquisition for regional open space in Perth and Sydney', Proceedings of the State of Australian Cities National Conference 2013, Sydney, NSW, 26-29 November, 2013.
    • Williams, P. (2011) 'Urban growth management in New South Wales: Market-based approaches for natural resource conservation', Proceedings of the State of Australian Cities National Conference 2011, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, 29 November-2 December 2011.
    • Goh, L. and Williams, P. (2011) 'Neoliberalism and the role of the state in surplus public land management: Protecting Sydney Harbour's open space legacy', Proceedings of the State of Australian Cities National Conference 2011, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, 29 November-2 December, 2011.
    • Williams. P. (2009) 'Integrating biodiversity in Australian cities – managing urban growth and biodiversity in Sydney', Proceedings of the State of Australian Cities National Conference 2009, University of Western Australia, Perth, 24-27 November, 2009.
    • Williams, P. (2006) 'Revisiting the Range of Planning Options and Mechanisms', Planning Law and Practice Short Course, UNSW, November 2006.
    • Williams, P. (2006) 'Current Practice in Regional Planning in Australia', Regional Planning in NSW, PIA (NSW Division) Seminar, Dapto, May 2006.
    • Williams, P., Freestone, R. and Bowden, A. (2005) 'Planning implications of private commercial development of airport land in Australia', Proceedings of the State of Australian Cities National Conference 2005, Griffith University, Brisbane, December 2005.
    • Williams, P. (2005) 'Are We Approaching Sustainability Correctly?' Future Shock 2050, Queensland University of Technology, November 2005.
    • Williams, P. (2005) 'Planning Principles from the Land and Environment Court', Planning Law and Practice Short Course, UNSW, October 2005.
    • Williams, P. (2005) 'The Principles and Planning Theory', Applying the Land and Environment Court's Planning Principles to the Design and Assessment of Development in NSW, The Powerhouse Museum, July 2005.
    • Williams. P. (2004) 'Recent Key Judgments from the Courts – An Academic's View', Planning Law and Practice Short Course, UNSW, November 2004.
    • Williams, P. (2004) 'Evolving Planning', Planning Institute of Australia (NSW Division) Conference, Wollongong, 2004.
    • Williams, P. (2004) 'The future of natural resource management – Implications for the education and role of planners', Young Planners Forum, UNSW, October 2004.
    • Williams, P. (2004) 'Best Practice in Development Assessment for Local Government, Green Buildings Conference, Powerhouse Museum, Sydney, August 2004.
    • Williams, P. (2004) 'The Plan Making Process', Regulating the Planning and Development of the Built Environment, Sydney Convention & Exhibition Centre, Darling Harbour, May 2004.
    • Williams, P. (2003) 'What is Best Practice? Best Practice in Development Assessment for Local Government' Planning Institute Australia (NSW Division) Local Government Planners Network Forum, Cessnock, May 2003.
    • Williams, P. (2002) 'Development Assessment – What Local Councils are Doing', Designing Our Future, Planning Institute Australia NSW Division Conference, Sydney September 2002
    • Williams, P. (1997) 'The role of local government in a changing planning system', in Roache, A. (ed), Planning law and practice for local councillors, The Environmental Planning and Management Series 97/1, School of Planning and Urban Development, UNSW, 9-23.
    • Williams, P. (1996) 'Introduction to the NSW planning system and the role of local government', in Harris, S. & Tai, B. (eds), Planning Law and Practice for Councillors, The Environmental Planning and Management Series 96/1, The School of Planning and Urban Development, UNSW, 7-18.
    • 1994-2006: numerous papers and workshops given in the annual Planning Law and Practice Short Course, the most significant event in the Planning and Urban Development Program's calendar of continuing professional development service to the planning profession of NSW.
    • 2006-Present: Sessions on 'Leading Land and Environment Court cases' for professional development seminars provided by the Planning Institute of Australia (NSW Division) throughout regional NSW on Better Development Assessment and Better Strategic Planning.

  • Original creative works

    • Prasad, D, Snow, M. and Williams P. (2008) Review of the new DCP for Kogarah City for Kogarah Municipal Council, May 2008
    • Williams, P. (2005) Review and Reform of Development Assessment Procedures for Strathfield Municipal Council, February 2005.
    • Williams, P. (2005) Best Practice in Development Assessment for Local Government, Phase 2., undertaken for Landcom, Parramatta, April 2005.
    • Williams, P. (2003) Best Practice in Development Assessment for Local Government, undertaken for Landcom, UNSW, Kensington, May 2003.
    • Harris, S., Thompson, S. and Williams, P. (2000) State Environmental Planning Policy No 1 – Development Standards: Report on its Effectiveness and Discussion Paper of Options, undertaken for the Department of Urban Affairs and Planning, UNSW, Kensington.

  • In the media

    • "It's D-Day for veg laws." The Land, Sydney, 15 October 2015.
    • "Terraces under threat from changes to planning controls." Sydney Morning Herald, Sydney, 12 November 2012.

  • Professional affiliations

    • Member, The Law Society of New South Wales, Specialist Accreditation Planning and Environment Law Advisory Committee
    • Corporate Member, Planning Institute of Australia (MPIA)
    • Member, Built Environment Law Network (BEL-NET)
    • Regular contributor to “In the Courts”, New Planner, Journal of the Planning Institute of Australia (NSW Division).

  • Other

    Regular contributor to “In the Courts”, New Planner, Journal of the Planning Institute of Australia (NSW Division).