Development Planner

Lake Macquarie City Council; Newcastle-Maitland; Hybrid; AUD 86,000 - 99,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

12% superannuation

Leaseback vehicle

35h week hybrid

Weekly pay

Gym discounts

Employee assistance

Social events

On-site parking

Collaborative culture

Job summary

Lake Macquarie City Council is seeking a Development Planner to join the Development Assessment and Certificate team. You will assess a broad range of development proposals, provide expert planning advice, and collaborate with internal specialists, developers, and the community to deliver balanced planning outcomes.

You will be supported by experienced planners and leaders who value collaboration, professional growth, and sound decision‑making in a dynamic local government area.

Qualifications

• Degree or Graduate Diploma in Town Planning (or related discipline).
• Experience assessing development applications in NSW.
• Ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong analytical and problem solving skills.
• Excellent written communication and report writing.
• Clear communicator with a range of stakeholders.
• Commitment to delivering positive customer experiences.

Responsibilities

• 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

Skills

Analytical skills

Problem solving

Written communication

Stakeholder communication

Customer focus

Education

Town planning degree

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 theposition statementhere and 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:

• ADegree 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 otherperks 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

• For enquiries related to the duties of the role, please contact Amy Regado, Section Manager Development, on 0439 222 469 or via email [e-mail]
• 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!
• 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.

Lake Macquarie City Council
126-138 Main Road, Speers Point, NSW 2284
Box 1906, Hunter Region Mail Centre, NSW 2310