Mackay Regional Council plays a key role in shaping a dynamic and growing region in North Queensland. Through a focus on sustainable development, community outcomes and service excellence, Council delivers planning outcomes that support economic growth, environmental stewardship and liveable communities.
The Development Planning and Engineering program sits within the Planning, Growth and Sustainability department and is responsible for delivering high-quality statutory planning services across the region.
About the Opportunity
As the Principal Development Planner, you will lead and mentor a team of planners, driving the delivery of high-quality development assessments while providing expert planning advice and ensuring exceptional service to the community and development industry.
In this role, you will oversee the assessment of complex and regionally significant development applications, ensuring alignment with relevant legislation and Council requirements. You will guide and review team outputs, supporting decision-making and maintain consistent, high-quality outcomes for the region.
Working collaboratively with internal stakeholders, the development industry and the community, you will apply your technical expertise and sound judgement to deliver balanced and practical planning outcomes. You will also contribute to continuous improvement initiatives and support the ongoing development of team capability.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead, mentor and develop a team of planning professionals, fostering a collaborative and high-performing culture and supporting capability development
- Oversee the assessment and determination of complex and regionally significant development applications in accordance with legislative and Council requirements
- Review development assessments and correspondence to ensure consistency, accuracy and quality of outputs across the team
- Provide high-level written and verbal planning advice to internal and external stakeholders
- Act as a key point of contact for complex planning matters, liaising across Council and with external agencies to support efficient outcomes
- Build and maintain effective relationships with developers, consultants and industry representatives, negotiating balanced and practical solutions
- Contribute to operational planning, service delivery improvements and ongoing continuous improvement initiatives
- Ensure work is delivered within agreed service standards, time frames and organisational objectives
- Promote a safe, inclusive and respectful workplace environment
About You
You are an experienced planning professional with demonstrated leadership capability and a collaborative approach. You have strong technical expertise in development assessment and are comfortable operating in a complex statutory environment.
You bring well-developed communication and negotiation skills, with the ability to provide clear advice, manage competing priorities and influence outcomes. You are committed to supporting and developing others, with a focus on building team capability and delivering high-quality planning outcomes.
Essential Requirements
- Tertiary qualification in Urban and Regional Planning or related discipline
- Extensive experience in statutory and planning
- Demonstrated leadership and team management experience
- Strong stakeholder engagement, negotiation and communication skills
- High-level report writing and analytical capability
- Comprehensive knowledge of Queensland planning legislation and development assessment processes
- Current Queensland C Class Driver Licence
Desirable
- Experience within local government
- Eligibility for membership with the Planning Institute of Australia
- Qualifications in leadership, management or a related field
Benefits
- Competitive salary package including up to 18% superannuation (conditions apply)
- Flexible working arrangements, including hybrid working options and a 9-day fortnight
- Relocation assistance of up to $10,000 (conditions apply)
- Generous leave provisions including annual leave loading
- Ongoing professional development and study assistance
- Access to health and well-being programs and employee support services
How to Apply
Click on the 'Apply' button to complete your online application. Please upload your current resume and covering letter (of no more than one page) that demonstrates how you meet the requirements of this role.
This role may require a Criminal History Check.
For more information: Please call Anna Dziopa on (07) 3003 7787 or via e-mail - anna.dziopa@chandlermacleod.com
Closing Date: Sunday 31 May at 11:59pm AEST
