Development Assessment Planner

Careers at Council; Port Macquarie; Hybrid; AUD 101,000 - 113,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working

Gym membership via Fitness Passport

Purchase leave

My Leave

Parental leave

Annual salary increase

Long service leave after 5 years

Employee assistance program

Salary packaging (novated leases)

Awards ceremony

Job summary

Port Macquarie-Hastings Council is seeking an experienced Development Assessment Planner to join our team on the Mid North Coast. You will provide expert planning advice, collaborate with developers, government agencies and the community, and contribute to high-quality planning outcomes that support sustainable growth.

You will also have the opportunity to support other planning professionals within a collaborative and high-performing team.

Qualifications

• Recent experience in development assessment within a local government context.
• Strong knowledge of the relevant legislation and stakeholder engagement.
• Excellent communication skills and ability to engage with diverse stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Assess and determine a wide range of Development Applications per the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act.
• Respond to general enquiries, including Duty Planner roster.
• Take part in pre-lodgement and Development Assessment Panel meetings.
• Contribute to business improvement initiatives.
• Promote a Development Assessment Service that is prompt, reliable, professional and customer driven.
• Work collaboratively with government agencies.

Skills

Development assessment

Stakeholder engagement

Communication skills

Team collaboration

Job description

Are
you an experienced planner looking to make a real impact in shaping great
communities and want to be part of an experienced team on the Mid North Coast?

Working
on some of the region's most important projects, you will provide expert
planning advice, collaborate closely with developers, government agencies and
the community, and contribute to high-quality planning outcomes that support
sustainable growth. You will also have the opportunity to support other
planning professionals within a collaborative and high-performing team.

To help us achieve this we are seeking an experienced Development
Assessment Planner to join our team. The successful candidate will be
responsible for undertaking development assessment and associated activities
for Council.

To succeed in
this role, you will have relevant recent experience in development assessment
within a local government context. Strong working knowledge of the relevant
legislation as well as proven stakeholder engagement and excellent
communication skills is essential.

On a typical
day this role will:

• Assess
  and determine a wide range of Development Applications, from basic to
  complex in accordance with the Environmental
  Planning and Assessment Act and regulations in a fair and equitable
  manner.
• Respond
  to general enquiries, including taking part in Council’s Duty Planner
  roster.
• Take
  part in wide ranging pre-lodgement and Development Assessment Panel
  meetings.
• Contribute
  to business improvement initiatives.
• Promote and provide a Development Assessment Service that is
  prompt, reliable, professional and customer driven.
• Work collaboratively with government agencies.

Remuneration and Benefits

Employment Type: Full time, Permanent 35 hours per week

Salary (exclusive of super): Starting in the range of $101,015 to $113,067 depending on skills and experience PLUS superannuation of 12%.

Opportunity for performance-based salary increase available after achieving set goals.

This role also qualifies for a Leaseback or Vehicle allowance in addition to the salary range on offer.

• Flexible
  work arrangements - hybrid working and flexi-time
• Discounted gym membership through
  membership to Fitness Passport
• Generous leave provisions including purchase leave, My Leave and parental leave
• Annual salary increase as per the
  Local Government (State) Award 2026 plus annual salary review
• Long service leave after 5 years
• Generous employee assistance program
• Salary packaging options, including novated leases are available
  through Salary Packaging Australia and Maxxia
• Recognition through our annual awards
  ceremony celebrating and rewarding staff achievements

About the Port Macquarie Hastings Region

The region is one of Australia's most enviable
locations. We boast a stunning hinterland, kilometres of pristine beaches,
national parks, playgrounds, sporting facilities, restaurants, galleries,
theatres and a genuine community vibe. The Mid-North Coast is perfect for
hiking, surfing, camping, fishing, exploration, sports, arts, theatre, food and
wine.

Questions?

If you would like to know more about this
opportunity or have any questions about the role, please contact Pat Galbraith-Robertson, Development Assessment Planning Manager on (02) 6581 8***.

Applications Close:
Sunday 27 September at 11:30pm

At Port Macquarie-Hastings Council, we believe that diversity makes us stronger. We are committed to creating a workplace that reflects the vibrant community we serve—where everyone feels welcome, respected, and empowered to thrive.

We encourage applications from people of all backgrounds, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, veterans, people with disabilities, culturally and linguistically diverse individuals, and members of the LGBTQIA+ community.

If you require any adjustments during the recruitment process or in the workplace, please contact us at ****@pmhc.nsw.gov.au.We’re here to support you every step of the way.

Port Macquarie Hastings Council adheres to the
principles of a child safe organisation and is committed to the care and
protection of all children and young people.

PMHC's recruitment notification process is primarily via system generated emails. Please ensure your email is correct before submitting an application to avoid missing crucial updates and outcomes. Email communication notifications are used for but not limited to: application received, interview booking tools, confirmation of interview, request for references/more information, delay notifications, testing/assessments (aptitude/psychometric/industry specific) and application outcomes (unsuccessful before or after interview).