In 1986, Peter Cowman made a pivotal career change, resigning from the NSW Soil Conservation Service to establish Peter Cowman & Associates in Nowra. Although he quickly saw the business’s potential, Peter recognised that many projects required deeper expertise in Council planning matters. It was around this time that Peter met Ernie Royston, then Chief Town Planner at Bega Valley Council, who wished to return to Nowra for family reasons. This meeting led to the founding of Cowman & Royston Pty Ltd in 1989, combining Peter’s environmental expertise with Ernie’s planning acumen.
1992: Introducing Colin Stoddart
When Ernie Royston accepted a role at Shoalhaven Council as Director of Strategic Planning in 1992, Cowman & Royston Pty Ltd found itself needing new leadership in planning. Peter welcomed Colin Stoddart, then Deputy Chief Town Planner at Kiama Municipal Council, as Ernie’s successor, marking the beginning of Cowman Stoddart Pty Ltd in September 1992. Colin’s addition helped strengthen the firm’s capacity to deliver comprehensive planning services, further building trust within the community and deepening the firm’s expertise.
1998: Expansion with Stephen Richardson
The late 1990s saw further growth with the arrival of Stephen Richardson, who joined Cowman Stoddart as a Director in 1998. A Registered Planner with the Planning Institute of Australia (PIA) and accredited in Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), Stephen brought a wealth of experience, having worked as a Senior Development Planner with Shoalhaven City Council and in planning roles across several councils, including Blue Mountains, Blacktown, and Penrith. His expertise solidified Cowman Stoddart’s reputation as a leader in development planning and regulatory compliance.
2006: Stuart Dixon Joins the Firm as Director
In 2006, Stuart Dixon joined Cowman Stoddart as a Director, adding to the firm’s leadership. Also a Registered Planner with the Planning Institute of Australia, Stuart brought extensive experience from his role as a Senior Development Planner at Shoalhaven City Council and prior work with councils in Hawkesbury and Ryde. His arrival marked a continued commitment to delivering expert planning solutions rooted in local knowledge and best practices.
2009–2011: Leadership Transition and New Talent
Colin Stoddart retired from the practice in 2009, leaving behind a legacy of dedicated service and community-focused planning. His departure paved the way for new talent to shape the firm’s future. In 2011, Angela Jones joined Cowman Stoddart as an Environmental Planner. Angela’s background in environmental planning enriched the firm’s capacity for sustainable development practices, enhancing service to clients with environmental considerations at the forefront.
2014–2023: Expanding Environmental Expertise and Leadership
In 2014, Cowman Stoddart welcomed Toni Wearne as an Environmental Planner, further strengthening our environmental services. Angela Jones’s expertise and dedication were recognised in 2022 when she became a Director, adding a fresh perspective to the firm’s leadership. With a focus on environmental planning, Angela has continued to champion Cowman Stoddart’s commitment to sustainability and community-centred planning.
In 2023, Peter Cowman, co-founder and a cornerstone of Cowman Stoddart’s legacy, retired from the practice. His vision, dedication, and community-focused approach have left a lasting impact, and his retirement was a significant milestone for the firm.
Supporting Team: A Foundation of Reliability
Our administrative team has played an essential role in Cowman Stoddart’s success. Chris Avis, who joined the firm in 2000, and Michelle Harris, who came on board in 2016, provide crucial support, ensuring smooth operations and a welcoming experience for our clients. Their professionalism and dedication are invaluable to the firm’s daily operations and the continuity of client services.
Today: A Continued Commitment to Community and Excellence
Cowman Stoddart, now Allen Price, remains committed to serving the Shoalhaven region with expertise, reliability, and a deep understanding of community needs. From initial consultations to project completion, we are dedicated to providing informed, effective, and sustainable solutions for the communities we serve. As we look toward the future, Allen Price will continue to build on its strong foundations, staying true to the principles of professionalism, community service, and environmental stewardship established by Peter Cowman and his partners.
At Allen Price, our legacy is not just about planning for today but ensuring a sustainable and vibrant future for our communities.
