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Asiya M.Raza

from love of Geography to Town Planner
I check infrastructure policies and plans to ensure they match transport planning and interests.
Industry
Construction and infrastructure
Company
Department of Transport and Main Roads, Queensland Government
Job Level
Senior
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Ask me about

  • How work experience helped get me my first job
  • What is the most exciting project I have worked on

About me

  • Regional Background

In high school, I had an interest in geography and after an urban planning unit in year 11, I knew this was the path for me. I studied town planning at UQ and got my first work experience at council, where I stayed on as a graduate planner and spent three years in total as a planner working across development assessment, neighbourhood planning and infrastructure planning. 

Originally from Afghanistan, I am highly passionate about encouraging young women and especially those from culturally diverse backgrounds to pursue further education after school and build successful careers for themselves.

I now work with the Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) as a senior planner where I am involved in coordinating the department’s review of key planning and infrastructure policies and plans. I have had the opportunity to gain exposure to many processes and be part of exciting projects.

About my role

  • Humorous
  • Independent
  • Observant
  • Sociable
  • Understanding

The role of a senior planner is to coordinate the Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) review of key planning and infrastructure polices and plans. This can include regional plans, planning schemes, structure plans, and master plans, just to name a few.

The key tasks and responsibilities of a senior planner are to provide technical advice, represent TMR in forums and meetings and prepare correspondence and reports.

As part of coordinating the department's response on planning and infrastructure matters, a senior planner undertakes research and analysis of the material and information provided. They also communicate and discuss with a range of internal and external stakeholders any issues along the way and negotiate outcomes for the department.

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Education

  • High School Certificate
  • Bachelor of Regional and Town Planning
  • Graduate Certificate in Policy Analysis (Current)

Subjects

  • Economics
  • Food and Technology
  • General Mathematics (Maths A)
  • Geography
  • History

Awards

  • High School Academic Subject Captain
  • UQ Union Secretary of the Year Finalist

Hobbies

  • Cooking
  • Gym
  • Seeing family and friends

Pets

  • 1 Cat

15 year old me!!

“You don't need to have everything figured out now, your life is just beginning, so don't be too hard on yourself.”

My career journey

Curious to know how I got here? Here’s a snapshot of my career pathway.
  1. Studied town planning at UQ
  2. Part of cultural club in Uni
  3. First professional work experience with Council
  4. Continued on with Council as a graduate
  5. Currently working with TMR

My typical day

My employer

The Department of Transport and Main Roads moves and connects people, places, goods and services safely, efficiently and effectively across Queensland. We plan, manage and deliver Queensland's integrated transport environment to achieve sustainable transport solutions for road, rail, air and sea. Our vision is to create a single integrated transport network accessible to everyone. As part of the Queensland Government, we are committed to building a diverse workforce that represents the community we serve.