We’re seeking a highly experienced and forward-thinking planning professional to lead the end-to-end development application process, including assessments, compliance inspections, and reporting. This senior role carries delegated authority to determine applications, sign correspondence, and exercise sound judgement on matters with significant community and stakeholder impact.

More than just technical proficiency, we’re looking for someone who brings strategic insight, long-term thinking, and leadership to help guide the direction of planning outcomes across the Tweed. You will be responsible for leading and managing a small team of planning professionals, monitoring performance, overseeing work output, and supporting staff development through coaching and mentoring.

You’ll also play a key role in shaping policy, contributing to planning policy review, preparing budgets, and advising on complex matters, including representing Council as an expert witness when required. The role involves regular engagement with a broad range of stakeholders, including developers, community members, consultants, and Councillors, and requires the provision of authoritative planning advice and reporting to both internal teams and external bodies.

Reporting to the Manager Building & Environmental Health, this role offers an exciting opportunity to shape planning outcomes and lead a high-performing team contributing to the region’s future growth.

About the role:

• Lead the end-to-end development application process, including assessment, compliance inspections, and the preparation of recommendations for determination.
• Exercise delegated authority to determine applications, sign correspondence, and make informed decisions with implications for third parties and the broader community.
• Lead and manage a small team of planning professionals, providing day-to-day supervision, monitoring performance and work output, and supporting team development through coaching and mentoring.
• Collaborate with internal teams, the public, developers, consultants, Councillors, and government agencies to provide authoritative planning advice and guidance on complex matters.
• Contribute to the strategic direction of the unit by assisting with policy development, LEP and DCP amendments, and budget planning.
• Represent Council as an expert witness in legal proceedings, ensuring decisions are robust, evidence-based, and aligned with statutory requirements.
• Support the Manager Building & Environmental Health in operational oversight, work planning, and the delivery of high-quality planning outcomes across the region.

What's on offer:

• a base salary ranging from $115,562 per annum with competency-based increments up to $128,493 per annum, plus 11.5% super
• 70 hour, 9 day fortnight
• training and development opportunities
• flexible work options for a healthy work/life balance
• generous employment conditions (we have too many to list - click here for more).

We are seeking:

• A qualified Town Planner with a degree or post-graduate qualification in planning or a related discipline
• Eligibility for membership of the Planning Institute of Australia (PIA)
• Extensive experience in the assessment and determination of development applications, with a strong working knowledge of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 and related NSW planning legislation
• Demonstrated ability to lead and manage a team, including performance monitoring, mentoring, and supporting professional development
• Strong strategic thinking skills, with experience contributing to planning related policy, and broader organisational planning initiatives
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to provide authoritative planning advice and collaborate effectively with internal and external stakeholders, including Councillors
• Proven capacity to exercise sound judgement and delegated authority in decision-making, including in complex or sensitive matters

About us:

• Located on the picturesque far North Coast of NSW, bordering the Gold Coast.
• The Tweed is a vibrant, diverse location offering a lifestyle near the water, in a rainforest or on a farm.
• Tweed Shire Council is committed to employment equity and diversity and encourages applications from people of all ages, abilities and backgrounds in both traditional and non-traditional roles. We provide workplace adjustments for people with disability, and access to flexible work options.
• Join an employer of choice. Professionals Australia (Local Government Engineers’ Association) has named Council the 2021 Employer of Choice for our great employment practices within NSW local government.

Where it's located:

This position is based in Murwillumbah and can be directed to work from any Council work site.

Position closes:

Friday 16 May at 12 noon sharp (NSW time). Late applications will not be permitted.

SK97188A