Beyond engagement theatre: challenging institutional constraints of participatory planning practice

Institutional realities often limit participatory planning practice from reaching its full potential. Rather than continuing to improve approaches and methods in isolation, we studied whether there is merit extending the repertoire of knowledge skills encompass a focus on broader institutional decision-making processes. By interviewing diverse range experts working Queensland context, research sought understand different types clashes between practices cultures. Interviewees shared their personal experiences strategies that helped them traverse processes constraints. This confirmed already wealth tacitly held skills, which have not yet been formalised. Our data analysis found may be improved by attenuating disparity external messaging internal practices, enabling practitioners better utilise informal structures. Intermediation proposed as skillset formalise planners’ interpersonal political literacy acumen, equip navigate negotiate structures