Principal Planner - Development Assessment (10379)
Job No:
CHR10501
Location:
Emerald
Work Type: Permanent Full Time
Location: Emerald
Department: Communities
Remuneration: Stream A, Level 7: $130,538 - $137,273 per annum inclusive of superannuation & locality allowance - 5% increase as of July 2026.
Are you an experienced planning professional looking to take the next step in your career and make a meaningful impact in a growing community?
As the Principal Planner – Development & Assessment, you will play a key leadership role within our Development Assessment Team, helping to shape the future of our region through high-quality planning outcomes. This is an exciting opportunity for a motivated and knowledgeable planner who enjoys both strategic thinking and hands-on development assessment.
We are seeking a collaborative and proactive professional with approximately five or more years of experience in either the public or private planning sector. You will be confident working autonomously while also thriving in a multidisciplinary team environment, building strong relationships across the organisation and with external stakeholders.
Beyond your technical expertise, you will bring a passion for mentoring and developing others, providing guidance, support, and leadership to planning staff while contributing to a positive and high-performing team culture. Your ability to navigate complex planning matters, foster collaboration, and drive quality outcomes will be instrumental in supporting sustainable growth and development within our community.
If you're looking for a role where you can influence decision-making, mentor emerging planners, and contribute to the long-term vision of a local government organisation, we'd love to hear from you.
This exciting opportunity will allow you to:
- Embrace the opportunity to work on a diverse range of development assessment applications of varying complexities across the residential, commercial and industrial planning space.
- Communicate your technical expertise on complex planning concepts and matters with Council members, the community and external stakeholders.
- Contribute to Councils' strategic planning initiatives and focus on business improvement processes.
- Develop and mentor the small planning team to deliver work of a high calibre, complying with relevant legislation, statutory timeframes and in accordance with Council policies. You will directly supervise a small number of staff.
To be considered for this opportunity, you will need to possess:
- Minimum of Queensland C Class provisional drivers licence.
- A degree level qualification in Urban and Regional Planning or equivalent discipline.
- A record of high performance in the assessment of development applications for a diverse range of complex development proposals.
- Extensive experience in managing, reviewing and improving development assessment processes, ideally 5+ years with preference for recent Queensland based experience.
- Recent experience of leading a team.
- Extensive professional town planning experience within Local Government or private sector.
- Experience in developing and achieving strategic goals and ability to effectively manage change.
- Demonstrated experience in operating in politically sensitive environments.
- Expertise in negotiating positive outcomes with high level customers.
If this sounds like you, apply now!
Working for Central Highlands Regional Council has its benefits.
We are a progressive region, committed in creating opportunities for all. We welcome forward thinking individuals who are focused on continuous improvement, a sustainable future and understand the valuable role we play in investing in our regional community.
Benefits Include:
- A generous superannuation scheme
- 5 weeks annual leave with 17.5% leave loading
- Fortnightly RDO’s
- Flexible working arrangements may be considered for the successful applicant
- Annual uniform allocation
- Payroll deductions and salary sacrifice options
- Wages paid fortnightly
- Employee Assistance Program
- Fitness passport eligibility
To apply for this position:
As an equal opportunity employer, we welcome applications from diverse backgrounds.
Please download and review the position description.
To be considered for this position, please include the following documents:
- A cover letter outlining your motivation for applying for this position
- Your resume detailing your career history relevant for this position
Applicants who are progressed to the next stage of the recruitment process will be invited to participate in a shortlisting process.
Eligibility & Pre-employment Checks
To be appointed to a permanent position, you must be an Australian citizen, or have permanent residency status, or hold a visa permitting you to work in Australia permanently. If you have a visa permitting you to work temporarily in Australia, you may be appointed to a position on a temporary basis, providing the work complies with the conditions of your visa.
The pre-employment checks relevant to this position include:
- Right to Work in Australia
- Medical assessment
- Qualification check
- Reference and licence checks
For a confidential discussion, please contact a member of the Recruitment Team on 1300 242 686 during business hours or register your application by submitting your cover letter and resume.
Applications close: Friday 19th June 2026 at 8am.
Please note - applicants may be contacted and progressed through the recruitment process prior to the closing date.
