Helping Councils Communicate Urban Change Clearly & Effectively.
UrbanTalk helps Councils and Consent Authorities communicate complex planning and housing projects with clarity, transparency, and trust.
From concern to clarity for Council-led projects.
Over the next decade, NSW Councils will face an unprecedented period of urban growth driven by the Federal and State Housing Accord.
With limited planning resources and growing community concern about urban change, Councils are under increasing pressure to communicate new developments clearly while managing expectations and addressing public concerns.
UrbanTalk supports Councils by delivering accurate, updatable, and easy-to-understand project communication. Helping residents stay informed, reducing confusion, and freeing up valuable staff time.
The Challenge:
A Decade of Urban Growth & Limited Resources to Manage It.
The housing supply crisis means more Planning and Development Applications, more consultation, and more public scrutiny. Planning teams are expected to manage growing workloads while keeping communities informed and supported.
Residents want to know what’s happening in their neighbourhoods, and if the information isn’t clear, misinformation spreads fast. UrbanTalk mitigates that risk, helping Councils communicate urban change proactively to avoid the misinformation that erodes trust.
The Problem
More DAs
More enquiries
Less time for assessment
The Solution:
A Smart Communication Platform Built for Councils.
UrbanTalk is a flexible and updatable Project Listing Platform that is tailored for Councils and Consent Authorities. It makes planning updates accessible and transparent, and not buried in lengthy PDFs.
Each Project Listing presents information in clear language, structured layouts, and community-friendly formats, reducing the need for residents to call or email for clarification.
Features Include
Rapid setup (live within 24 hours).
Accessible on all devices.
Independent and impartial validation.
Supported by feedback forms so people can ask questions at their convenience.
Easy updates to reflect project progress.
Clear, consistent messaging.
A long-term, consistent presence for the community.
Google Analytics supports consultation outcomes reporting to Council.
Outcome:
Fewer calls and complaints. More informed communities. Staff can focus on their core function of planning and assessment.
Proven Impact on Development Outcomes.
UrbanTalk supports a wide range of developers across a broad range of projects – from boutique residential to state-significant projects, master plans, mixed-use precincts and even out-of-home advertising.
1
Audrey, St Leonards
“…the proposal has benefited from extensive consultation between the Applicant, Council and community and concurs with Council that the DA achieves the required standard for development…”
— Sydney North Planning Panel, Audrey in St. Leonards
2
Dubbo Residential Rehabilitation Centre
“The UrbanTalk Project Listing launched the project with confidence and clarity. It has been in place through site acquisition, design, development approval and now construction, becoming the trusted hub for community inquiry and project updates. It has been invaluable in building community understanding about the project, so much so that the concept and stage 1 development applications attracted zero public submissions.”
— Thomas Kwok
Partner, Holding Redlich Lawyers
3
Glebe Island Silos
“The consultative process and project listing were key to the low number of objections and fast approval process.”
— Anita Burgermeister
Commercial Director, oOh!media
With UrbanTalk, Councils Can Manage Community Enquiries Efficiently & Transparently.
UrbanTalk acts as an extension of your communication and planning teams. Helping Councils meet Community Participation Plan requirements while easing staff pressure.
Reduce workload
Fewer public enquiries and objections.
Improve transparency
Consistent, accurate messaging for every project.
Enhance trust
Residents feel informed, not surprised.
Stay compliant
Demonstrate active community engagement under NSW planning frameworks.
Trusted by Government, Backed by Results.
UrbanTalk has become a trusted partner for Councils and Government Agencies navigating the challenges of growth, communication, and transparency.
A strategic communication tool that combines effective project messaging, curated content, and technology, UrbanTalk helps Councils address community concerns and expectations for information – without overloading staff.
+ More
We Make Urban Communication Smarter
“We’re here to help councils focus on planning – not admin.”
Speak with our team about how UrbanTalk can help you manage urban change more effectively, improving transparency, reducing enquiries, and supporting your planners.
UrbanTalk acknowledges the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the first inhabitants of this nation and the traditional custodians of the lands where we live, learn and work.
Contact Us
The Commons Surry Hills,
Level 1, 285A Crown Street,
Surry Hills, NSW, 2010
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ABN 17 646 538 203