Meet the Team
At iObject, our team of experienced professionals is dedicated to advocating for your rights and ensuring that new developments do not negatively impact your home or community. With expert knowledge in town planning and a passion for protecting local neighbourhoods, we work tirelessly to safeguard your interests. Get to know the experts behind our personalised, strategic approach to managing development objections and preserving the features that make your home special.
Matthew Powell
Founder & Principal Town Planner
BPlan (UNSW), RPIA
After extensive experience working within the public and private sectors as a town planner, Matthew founded iObject. Matthew is a qualified town planner with a bachelor’s degree in town planning (B. Planning 2010, UNSW). He maintains full membership as a registered town planner with the Planning Institute of Australia (RPIA) (Mem. No. 79157).
Matthew has broad experience obtaining successful development outcomes for neighbours of DA’s. His planning objections have led to numerous amended or refused DA’s on behalf of clients. Matthew has proven to be a good negotiator with council officers, as well as providing robust representation before planning panels and the Land and Environment Court.
Ruth O’Neill
Client - Council Liaison
Ruth joined iObject in 2024 and is responsible for liaison between councils, clients and other relevant parties in managing better development outcomes. She also assists with the day-to-day business operations, including customer relationship management, marketing and strategy, council deadline negotiations and scheduling.
Ruth has extensive relationship management experience, being adept in communication and problem-solving. She is highly regarded for her dedication to client service. As the facilitator of iObject’s Ongoing Management (Phase B) service, Ruth keeps clients well-informed and reassured through ongoing communication, ensuring their voices are heard throughout the planning process.
Sebastian Arnone
Town Planner
BPlan (UWS)
Sebastian is a qualified Town Planner with a Bachelor’s degree in town planning (B. Planning 2023, UWS) with extensive industry experience. Prior to his role at iObject, he worked across a diverse range of projects specialising in planning and heritage conservation. His expertise in navigating complex planning and heritage issues allows him to provide clients with well-informed strategies and approaches to these complex issues.
By leveraging his experience in planning and heritage, Sebastian plays a key role in protecting community interests and ensures inappropriate developments are challenged. His ability to assess the potential impacts of developments ensures that objections are well-reasoned, evidence based and effectively communicated to stakeholders.
