Each year the state and territory Divisions of the Planning Institute of Australia (PIA) hold award programs enabling them to acknowledge excellence, innovation and achievement of the planning profession locally.  

The intention of the Awards for Planning Excellence is to emphasise the important role of the planning profession, and to stimulate public awareness of good planning.

The National Awards for Planning Excellence are the only Australia-wide mechanism for formally commending planners for professional excellence and obtaining peer and public recognition for their work.

Entries that merit an award demonstrate a contribution to liveable communities, excellence in planning and recognition of the triple bottom line of economic, social and environmental sustainability.