Colac Otway Shire Council offers a unique and rewarding lifestyle opportunity in one of Victoria’s most picturesque regions. Nestled between the iconic Great Ocean Road and the lush Otway National Park, the Shire boasts stunning natural landscapes, vibrant communities, and a rich cultural heritage. Whether you're drawn to coastal living, forest adventures, or a strong sense of community, Colac Otway provides the perfect backdrop for both professional growth and personal wellbeing.

This is your chance to apply your planning expertise in a dynamic and diverse environment, where your work will directly contribute to shaping sustainable development across urban, rural, and coastal settings. Join a team that values innovation, collaboration, and service excellence in delivering outcomes for the region.

We are currently seeking a highly motivated and energetic person to join our Planning and Building team. This is a great opportunity to join a team of dedicated planners who make important decisions on land use and development in the Shire.

As Statutory Planner you will process a diverse range of planning and subdivision applications, provide professional advice on planning matters, and contribute to the preparation of planning reports and development of policies and strategies.

Key responsibilities:

• Assess and process planning permit applications in accordance with the Planning and Environment Act 1987 and local planning schemes.
• Prepare reports and recommendations for Council and delegated decision-makers.
• Provide professional planning advice to internal departments, developers, and the community.
• Conduct site inspections and liaise with stakeholders to resolve planning issues.
• Represent Council at VCAT hearings and other forums as required.
• Contribute to continuous improvement of planning processes and systems.

Skills and Qualifications Required:

• Tertiary qualification in Urban Planning, Town Planning or a related discipline.
• Minimum 2 years' experience in statutory planning within a local government or consultancy environment.
• Sound knowledge of Victorian planning legislation and frameworks.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including report writing and stakeholder engagement.
• Ability to manage competing priorities and meet deadlines.
• Proficiency in planning software and Microsoft Office suite.
• Strong communication and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

The successful applicant will hold an appropriate tertiary qualification in Statutory Planning or closely related discipline and experience. Remuneration will be in accordance with the Colac Otway Shire Enterprise Agreement.

For further information regarding the duties and requirements of the role, please refer to the position description.

Salary information: $72,597 - $82,571 per annum plus superannuation

For further information and how to apply:

• Letter of application
• Current resume
• Key Selection Criteria Responses

1. Download and review the Position Description including the Key Selection Criteria.
2. Information to be included with your application:
3. Submit your application

Andrew Tenni

Chief Executive Officer

Colac Otway Shire Council is a child safe organisation and is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer.