Strategic Land Use Planner

Temporary Full Time – 12 months

Play a part in setting the long-term vision for land-use planning in Lake Macquarie

Contribute to creating a liveable, vibrant and sustainable future for our city

Join a supportive and high-performing strategic planning team

Flexible work options including - 9-day fortnight, trial a condensed 4-day work week, hybrid work model

LET’S EXPLORE THE JOB

Our progressive Integrated Planning department are seeking a highly driven, passionate, and customer- and team-focused professional to join the Strategic Planning team. In this role, you will play a key part in shaping the future of Lake Macquarie, ensuring alignment with the Lake Macquarie Local Strategic Planning Statement.

You will work collaboratively with a diverse range of stakeholders, including Councillors, to develop and implement land use and transport strategies, urban design guidelines, heritage studies, and structure plans. Additionally, you will contribute to the preparation of planning policy documents, including local environmental plans and development control plans.

Your key focus areas are:

Provide professional, sound and timely strategic planning advice to internal and external stakeholders

Manage and deliver projects in accordance with Councils Operational Plan and the Integrated Planning Department Business Plan

Contribute to the continuous improvement and effectiveness of the team

Proactively identify and respond to emerging planning issues to ensure a liveable, vibrant and sustainable future for the City

Consult with relevant stakeholders to ensure a wide range of issues and views are considered in planning projects

Actively work with staff across Council to promote an integrated approach to strategic planning

Read the Position Statement and learn more about this exciting opportunity.

LET’S HEAR ABOUT YOU

You are passionate about contributing to continuous improvement initiatives that support and enhance our community. You are committed to helping Lake Macquarie become one of the most productive, adaptable, sustainable, and liveable cities in Australia.

With exceptional communication skills, you take a consultative, proactive, and collaborative approach when engaging with a diverse range of stakeholders ensuring that different perspectives are considered in every planning project.

Your experience in strategic planning, combined with strong negotiation and conflict-management skills, will enable you to succeed and make a meaningful impact in this role.

Specifically, you will have:

University qualification in Urban Planning or other related field (g. Geography, Environmental Science, Development Studies, Urban Design, Natural Resource Management, Economics, Social Planning)

Experience in the management of strategic planning projects and preparation of documents (e.g. land use strategies, LEPs and DCPs) that incorporate social, economic and environmental factors into decision making

In depth knowledge of and ability to interpret and apply relevant legislation, regulations, and policies in addressing contemporary strategic land use planning issues

Experience in planning and delivering community engagement programs and activities (exhibitions, meetings and workshops) for strategic planning projects

Project management skills including contract management and engagement of consultants and the ability to complete projects within time, cost and quality constraints

LET’S REVEAL THE PERKS

Competitive salary from $94,319 to $109,614 a year plus 12% superannuation

Commencing salary set in line with skills and experience

35-hour week with flexible hybrid work model and a nine-day fortnight

We value your wellbeing and provide generous discounted gym memberships through our corporate fitness program starting from $8 week, connect with colleagues through our social club, wellbeing initiatives, and confidential support via our employee assistance program (EAP), and annual flu vaccination program

We are committed to being an employer of choice. We will do all we can to help you develop your skills, and make a difference, right from the start. We have a flexible workplace and focus on all aspects of your physical and mental health and safety.

Along with many other perks that come from choosing Lake Mac

CHOOSE THE LAKE MAC WAY

We know it is our people that will shape the future of our city. That’s why we’re passionate about providing a workplace that empowers our staff to be creative, innovative, and bold. When you join the team at Lake Macquarie City Council, you’re joining a group of people with a commitment to make our city even better. We’re proud of our city and the work we do, and we know you will be too.

We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive workforce. We believe that a diverse network of employees, which truly reflects the people it serves and represents, is best equipped to understand and meet the needs of our community. We welcome and encourage applications from all ages and genders, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people from culturally diverse backgrounds, the LGBTIQ+ community, refugees, and people with disability. We understand the skills and attributes veterans can bring to our Council.

LET’S START

If this job sounds like you, we would love to hear from you! Send your application and resume in by midnight 14 September 2025

For a confidential discussion related to the duties of the position, please contact, Amber Vergot, Senior Strategic Landuse Planner 02 4921 0680 or via email [email protected]

For enquiries about the application process, or to request an adjustment to support you through the process, please contact Georgina Green, Talent Acquisition Advisor, on 02 49 210 495 or via email [email protected]

Your experience throughout the application process matters to us. If you would like feedback on your application or interview, don't hesitate to get in touch - we're here for you!

To complete your online application, you will be asked to upload a copy of your resume and provide responses to questions which are based on the criteria listed in the Position Statement.

Please note that as part of Lake Macquarie City Council’s recruitment process, prior to an offer of employment being made, recommended candidates may be subject to a medical assessment which may include alcohol and other drugs testing.