At the Department of State Development, Infrastructure and Planning and our friends at Economic Development Queensland (EDQ), we know that good planning is essential for responsible growth.

But just as important is investing in the people who will shape that growth in years to come.

That’s why we invite two university students each semester to have a front-row seat to see what planning in action looks like in the Queensland Government. In 2025, we welcomed four talented students: Simon Morgan, Kylie Tan, Edward Xia and Emile Draycott. Each brought fresh ideas, curiosity and enthusiasm to our teams—and left with new skills, insights and confidence.

Simon discovered a passion for development assessment, tackling complex projects like the Herston Quarter Priority Development Area reconfiguration. “I thought I’d be drawn to strategic planning,” he said, “but I found real satisfaction in solving unique problems through referrals and conditions.”

Kylie was surprised by the variety of work she got to experience. “I’ve worked on four projects during my time here,” she said. “Comparing masterplans taught me how much detail goes into planning—and how important precision is.”

Edward valued the chance to engage with the community. “Attending a public consultation was a highlight,” he said. “It showed me how planning decisions affect real people—and how feedback shapes outcomes.”

Emile appreciated the structure and support. “The Ministerial Infrastructure Designations team helped me understand development assessment in a really practical way,” she said. “Everyone was so generous with their time and knowledge.”

These placements aren’t just beneficial for students—they’re a win for the Queensland Government, too. As the Planning Institute of Australia’s State of the Profession report highlights, while many planners are working in local government, only 18% of planners work in state and territory governments across Australia. By opening our doors to students, we’re helping shift that balance and build a stronger pipeline of future professionals delivering quality planning for Queensland.

The Queensland Government are working at pace to set Queensland up for a bright and prosperous future, including:

• making the right land available for new housing
• kickstarting new housing developments through the funding and fast tracking of essential infrastructure
• limiting delays by working with councils to streamline approvals and build the infrastructure needed.

We know that planning Queensland’s future starts with investing in the planners of tomorrow!

So, if you’re a planning student—or know one—consider applying for the Student Placement Program! Or if you’re about to graduate, check out our Graduate Planner Program. In both programs, you’ll gain real-world experience, a broader perspective, and have the benefit of a supportive team behind you.