Incorporating Barr Planning
In July 2026, Beveridge Williams was joined by Barr Planning, a highly regarded Newcastle and Sydney-based Town Planning consultancy. The Barr team brings a strong reputation for quality service, trusted client relationships, and a practical, solutions-based approach – values that closely align with our own.
Barr Planning brings extensive experience across the residential, education, industrial, and infrastructure sectors, as well as strong capabilities in land subdivision, tourism, and affordable housing projects throughout the Hunter Region, Sydney, and regional New South Wales.
Since 2015, Barr Planning has delivered strategic and practical planning solutions across the Hunter, Sydney, and regional New South Wales.
The experienced team combines deep industry knowledge with a collaborative, outcomes-focused approach, helping clients navigate complex planning pathways with confidence. From advisory and development services through to social planning, we work across a diverse range of sectors including residential, education, industrial, infrastructure, health, tourism, and digital infrastructure.
Working alongside leading design, environmental, and engineering professionals, we look beyond the planning process to understand the bigger picture – delivering practical solutions and meaningful outcomes for our clients and communities.
Key Contacts
Rebecca Johnston
NSW Town Planning Manager, Registered Planner (EIA)
Stephen Barr
Strategic Lead, Planning & Business Development, Surveyor & Registered Planner (EIA)
Rebecca Johnston
Rebecca is a Registered Planner with more than 25 years of experience across local and state government and the private sector. She has built a strong reputation for leading complex planning, infrastructure and development projects, combining strategic thinking with practical project delivery. With expertise spanning environmental impact and development assessment, development strategy design and stakeholder engagement, Rebecca is focused on delivering positive outcomes for clients and communities.
Rebecca brings a collaborative leadership style to the Beveridge Williams team and is recognised for her inclusive approach, commercial acumen and ability to navigate complex planning challenges. She is passionate about mentoring and developing the next generation of planning professionals, while fostering strong client relationships and contributing to the continued growth of the planning profession.
Stephen Barr
Stephen is a Registered Planner with qualifications in surveying, planning and business, bringing more than 30 years of experience in the development industry. As the founder of Barr Planning in 2015, he has built a respected consultancy recognised for combining strategic thinking with practical planning advice. Stephen works closely with clients to navigate complex development approvals, land subdivision and project delivery, bringing stakeholders together to identify opportunities, resolve planning challenges and deliver positive outcomes.
Stephen continues to play an important role, now within the Beveridge Williams team, drawing on his extensive industry knowledge and collaborative approach to support clients across New South Wales. He has a longstanding interest in affordable housing and is passionate about creating planning outcomes that deliver lasting social and community benefits.