For alumni Tony Luo, urban planning wasn’t his initial calling, but it became his passion. Most recently, a strategy and performance lead at Sustainability Victoria, Luo has built an impressive early career in urban planning, sustainability, and public policy. Recognised as a rising star in the field, he is about to embark on his next adventure as a Schwarzman Scholar in Beijing.
Strong foundations
Luo’s journey into urban planning began with an unexpected turn. Initially enrolled in civil engineering, he took an elective in urban planning and found himself captivated by the interplay between living beings and the built environment. “I found it fascinating to learn how we shape liveable cities and neighbourhoods,” he says. That During his time at Sustainability Victoria, Luo tackled one of the most pressing global challenges: transitioning to a circular economy. His work involved shaping the Victorian Government’s strategy on systemic changes to decarbonise and contribute to Victoria’s net-zero emissions.
Luo’s first professional experience came through a student internship with Chancellery Research and Enterprise, where he honed his skills in research, policy, and strategic planning.
This foundation helped him secure a role in the Victorian Government as a student and later a graduate urban planner, where he worked on major infrastructure projects, including the Big Build and State-significant precincts. “I was fortunate to work with exceptional leaders who were passionate about sustainable urban development,” he reflects.
During his time at Sustainability Victoria, Luo tackled one of the most pressing global challenges: transitioning to a circular economy. His work involved shaping the Victorian Government’s strategy on systemic changes to decarbonise and contribute to Victoria’s net-zero emissions.
This is about rethinking the way we produce, collect, and reuse waste starting at the design stage.
In June 2024, his team released a three-year curiosity drove him to shift his academic focus, leading him to graduate in 2018 with a Bachelor of Environments, majoring in urban design and planning, and property.
“This is about rethinking the way we produce, collect, and reuse waste starting at the design stage,” he explains. His role involved not just policy and strategy development but also engaging communities and industries to foster sustainable practices.
A global perspective on sustainability
Luo’s commitment to sustainability extends beyond Australia. Recently awarded the prestigious Schwarzman Scholarship, he will soon pursue a Masters in Global Affairs at Tsinghua University in Beijing. He sees this as an opportunity to gain international insights into urban governance, city diplomacy and environmental sustainability.
“I want to absorb new perspectives, understand best practices from around the world, and bring that knowledge back to Australia,” he says. He is particularly interested in China’s long-term planning approach, citing innovations like “sponge cities” that enhance flood resilience. “Concepts like these could be incredibly useful in flood-prone areas in Australia.”
Community engagement
Beyond his professional work, Luo has remained deeply engaged in social justice and volunteerism. As a student, he led the online community Architects for Peace, focusing on the intersection of urban planning and social equity. He has also been involved in non-profits like the United Nations Association of Australia, serving as co-president of the Victorian Young Professionals Network.
These experiences, he says, have shaped his approach to policy. “They’ve made me more empathetic and aware of how government decisions impact people’s lives. It’s about ensuring that policy is not just technically sound but also socially inclusive.”
The future of our cities
As he prepares for his next chapter in China, Luo remains optimistic about the future of urban planning and sustainability. Recently awarded in the 2024 Asian Australian Leadership Awards for his experience in public sector and government, he draws hope from his peers, both colleagues and the students he mentors at the Faculty, who are increasingly vocal and proactive in addressing climate change.
At the heart of his journey is a belief in collaboration. “The conversation around climate change is becoming more polarised. I want to learn how we can move beyond division and work together towards practical, inclusive solutions.”
With a growing portfolio of impactful projects and a global perspective on sustainable urban development, Luo is not just helping to shape cities – he’s helping to shape the future.