About us

Our Team

Our experienced team works closely with property owners, developers, businesses and local communities across regional New South Wales and Victoria. With backgrounds in local government, state government and private consulting, we provide practical planning advice that's tailored to each project's unique requirements.

Kate O’Neill - Principal

BARHAM - 0405 723 515

Acre is led by Kate O’Neill, a registered town planner and corporate member of the Planning Institute of Australia. Kate has over 18 years of experience working in a wide range of planning roles in government and the private sector across Australia.

  • Kate’s breadth of planning experience, which includes senior leadership roles in state government and the private sector, has provided exposure to a broad range of town planning issues including infill development, infrastructure planning and delivery, strategic planning, development assessment, natural resource management, heritage conservation and stakeholder engagement.

    Her previous roles have equipped her with comprehensive knowledge of the land development process and the economics of development. Kate’s passion is facilitating development projects in regional areas that enhance the economic prosperity and liveability of rural communities.

Eliza Eastman - Senior Town Planner

DENILIQUIN - 0458 579 109
Days of work: Mon - Wed

Eliza Eastman is a qualified planner with over 12 years professional experience in the planning and development sector. She is Senior Town Planner with Acre Town Planning. Her career spans significant roles in local government, private sector and the non for profit housing sector across Australia.

  • Eliza has a solid understanding of development assessment, strategic planning, heritage conservation and stakeholder engagement in both NSW and Victoria.

    Eliza is passionate about rural and regional communities and understands the complexities and issues associated with development in these areas. She has a solid understanding of local and state planning instruments and has demonstrated ability to find solutions to assist development through the planning process.

Jenna Ross - Planning Coordinator

TOCUMWAL - 0461 347 708
Days of work: Mon - Thurs

Jenna Ross brings a strong blend of planning knowledge, local government experience and administrative expertise to the Acre Town Planning team.

Holding a Diploma of Town Planning from the University of New England, Jenna has developed extensive experience working within the statutory planning environment within Local Government. During her time with Council, she was involved in the assessment and administration of planning permit applications, preparation of planning reports and legal documentation, stakeholder liaison, customer service, and the delivery of planning outcomes consistent with legislative and policy requirements.

  • Jenna has a keen eye for detail and a passion for delivering high-quality and efficient planning outcomes. Her background includes working closely with government agencies, consultants, developers and community members, providing practical planning advice and supporting the planning approval process from lodgement through to determination.

    With strong organisational skills, excellent customer service abilities and advanced proficiency across a range of planning and business software platforms, Jenna plays an important role in supporting project delivery and ensuring clients receive timely, professional service.

Eliza Noakes - Senior Town Planner

PARKES - 0447 314 359
Days of Work: Mon - Thurs

With over seven years of town planning experience across officer to managerial levels in regional council, Eliza brings a high level of expertise to Acre Town Planning. Most recently, Eliza served as the Manager of Development and Planning at Forbes Shire Council, leading a multidisciplinary team and managing an array of complex development applications and strategic planning projects.

  • From significant greenfield subdivisions to childcare centres, rural and manufacturing industries, as well as various rezonings and strategic planning projects, Eliza has a proven track record of delivering thoughtful and efficient solutions that support community growth and sustainability.