Development Planner

Careers at Council; Newcastle-Maitland; Hybrid; AUD 98,000 - 114,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Salary plus 12% superannuation

Hybrid work model

35-hour week

Weekly pay

Leaseback vehicle

Gym discount

Employee assistance program

Social club

Free on-site parking

Job summary

Lake Macquarie City Council in NSW is seeking a Development Planner to assess a broad range of development proposals and help shape our growing city. You will work in the Development Assessment and Certificate team, gaining exposure to complex urban and waterfront projects while collaborating with developers, internal specialists and community partners.

You’ll be supported by senior planners, enjoy a fast-paced environment, and contribute to policy and pre-development consultations, with

Qualifications

• Degree or Graduate Diploma in Town Planning (or related discipline).
• Experience assessing development applications under NSW legislation.
• Strong analytical and problem solving skills.
• Excellent written communication and report writing; ability to explain planning matters to diverse stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Assess and determine development applications across residential, commercial, industrial, tourism, rural and environmental sectors.
• Provide professional town planning advice through pre-development consultations.
• Coordinate technical advice from internal specialists and external agencies.
• Support planning policy and proposal assessments.
• Support duty planner services and respond to customer enquiries.

Skills

Town planning

Development assessment

Analytical skills

Written communication

Stakeholder communication

Customer service

Education

Degree or Graduate Diploma in Town Planning

Job description

Shape the future of one of NSW’s most unique and diverse cities.

Join Lake Macquarie City Council and help shape out City’s development.

As a Development Planner, you’ll work on a diverse mix of development proposals — from waterfront projects to complex urban developments — and make decisions that leave a lasting impact.

You’ll be backed by an experienced, supportive team, and have room to grow your planning career in a dynamic local government area.

LET’S EXPLORE THE ROLE

This is an exciting opportunity for a motivated town planner to join our Development Assessment and Certificate team and work across a broad range of planning matters.

No two days are the same. You will assess a diverse mix of development proposals, provide expert planning advice, and collaborate with internal specialists, developers, and the community to deliver balanced and well-informed planning outcomes.

You’ll be supported by experienced senior planners and leaders who value collaboration, professional growth, and strong decision-making.

In this role you will:

• Assess and determine development applications across residential, commercial, industrial, tourism, rural, and environmental sectors
• Contribute to projects considered by the Design Review Panel, Hunter and Central Coast Regional Planning Panel, and the elected Council
• Provide professional town planning advice through our pre-development consultation service
• Coordinate technical advice from internal specialists and external agencies
• Support planning policy and proposal assessments
• Support duty planner services and respond to customer enquiries

Read the position statementhereand learn more about this exciting opportunity.

LET’S HEAR ABOUT YOU

You are a motivated and capable Town Planner experienced in development assessment who enjoys solving planning challenges and delivering outcomes.

You thrive in a fast-paced environment, and collaborate and communicate confidently with a range of stakeholders, and can balance competing priorities while making sound planning decisions.

You bring strong technical knowledge of the NSW planning framework and are comfortable interpreting legislation, policy, and planning controls to guide development outcomes.

You will bring:

• A Degree or Graduate Diploma in Town Planning (or related discipline)
• Demonstrated experience assessing development applications in accordance with relevant legislation in NSW
• Ability to manage competing priorities and deliver outcomes in a fast-paced environment
• Strong analytical and problem solving skills
• Excellent written communication and report writing skills
• Ability to communicate planning matters clearly with a range of stakeholders
• Commitment to delivering positive customer experiences

LET’S REVEAL THE PERKS

• Competitive salary up to $1,881 to $2,186 per week + 12 % superannuation
• Annual Enterprise Agreement pay increases apply
• Commencing salary set in line with skills and experience with annual reviews available to support movement through the salary range
• Leaseback vehicle option
• 35 hour working week with hybrid work model and flexible working hours
• Weekly pay
• Discounted corporate gym memberships from $10 per week
• Employee Assistance Program and wellbeing initiatives
• Social club and team events
• Free on-site parking
• Supportive, collaborative team culture
• Along with many otherperksthat 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! Get your application in by 11:59pm, Sunday 27 September 2026
• For enquiries related to the duties of the role, please contactAmy Regado,Section Manager Development, on0439 222 ***or via ************@lakemac.nsw.gov.au
• If you need assistance submitting your applicationclick hereor please contactAshlea Norris,Talent Attraction Partner, on02 4921 0***or via *************@lakemac.nsw.gov.au
• Your experience throughout the application process matters to us. If you'd 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.