Development Planner

Careers at Council; Nowra; On-site; AUD 104,000 - 118,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexitime

9-day fortnight

Remote working arrangements

Novated lease

Job summary

Shoalhaven City Council is seeking a Development Planner in Nowra to assess a broad range of development applications and provide professional planning advice. The role works within the Development Services Department, with transition to the Planning Pathways Department in the next 6 months.

You will be responsible for processing applications under environmental planning legislation, coordinating tasks, engaging with the public, and contributing to sustainable land-use outcomes for the community.

Qualifications

• Completion or near completion of recognised tertiary qualifications in Urban and Regional or Town Planning (or related).
• Eligibility for corporate membership of Planning Institute of Australia.

Responsibilities

• Process, assess and determine development applications under delegated authority.
• Coordinate and prioritise tasks to meet performance targets.
• Communicate with the public regarding development applications notifications.
• Provide input into subdivision plan assessments (linen).
• Handle correspondence and file notes including notices and reports.
• Mediate and negotiate to resolve conflicts among stakeholders.

Skills

Planning knowledge

Stakeholder engagement

Public notification

Dispute resolution

Education

Urban and Regional or Town Planning degree

Job description

• 35 hours per week (Monday to Friday) with the option of flexitime
• Located at the Nowra Administration Building, Bridge Road, Nowra
• Applications close Tuesdy, 25 August 2026 (at midnight)

About the Role

The Development Planner within the Development Services Department will assess and manage a wide range of development applications, including complex proposals, while providing professional planning advice and guidance, administering and enforcing relevant legislation and Council policies, and working collaboratively with stakeholders to deliver sustainable land-use outcomes that protect and enhance the natural and built environment, public amenity, and community wellbeing.

Please note, this position currently sits within the Development Services Department, however, will be moving into the newly created Planning Pathways Department in the next 6 months.

The main duties of this role includes:

• Process, assess, provide recommendations, and determine development applications under relevant delegated authority in accordance with the requirements of the Environmental Planning & Assessment Act, Environmental Planning & Assessment Regulations, and associated legislation.
• Co-ordinate and prioritise various tasks associated with processing development applications to ensure that all work is scheduled and undertaken as necessary to ensure performance targets are achieved.
• Communicate directly with members of the public with regard to public notification of development applications.
• Provide input into the assessment of subdivision survey plans (linen).
• Investigate inwards correspondence and reply in a timely manner in relation to functions administered by this position. Resolve such matters as necessary by way of file notes, letters, memos, notices, orders and reports as required. This will include original correspondence.
• Attempt to resolve conflict between various stakeholders in the development assessment process by means of mediation and negotiation.

Please refer to the Job Description under the Job Attachments for a comprehensive list of duties, responsibilities and skills required.

The advertised salary is based on the grade of the position, comprising of 4 steps within the range shown. The starting salary is at Step 1 within the grade. Progression through the salary steps shall be based upon the achievement of performance objectives relating to the position.

This is a grade range position, therefore in accordance with qualifications, accreditation, experience and demonstrated skills, the prospective employee will be assessed as either Grade 9, 10 or 11.

Grade 11

$103,766 - $117,851 gross p.a. plus 12% Super

About You

To be successful in the position, you will have:

• Completion or near completion of recognised tertiary qualifications in a field such as Urban and Regional or Town Planning (or related tertiary qualifications), providing eligibility for corporate membership of the Planning Institute of Australia
• Knowledge and understanding of relevant environmental planning legislation and ability to interpret legislation such as the Environmental Planning & Assessment Act 1979
• Current Class C Drivers' Licence
• NSW WorkCover Construction Induction Certificate (White card)
• Proof of Australian residency or citizenship

Please refer to the Job Description and Capability Framework under the Job Attachments for a comprehensive list of duties, responsibilities and skills required for each Grade of this position.

Applicants who progress to pre-employment checks may be required to undergo a Qualification Check, Work Rights Verification, Reference Checks and Medical (Low Risk). Employment is subject to satisfactory outcomes for all required checks.

Applications Close

Tuesday, 25 August 2026 (at midnight)

If you have any questions about this role, please contact Bruce Gibbs - Manager - Development Services - 02 4429 3***

Why Work with Us

The Shoalhaven area is a unique place of great natural beauty, offering an enviable lifestyle and positive work-life balance. Our workforce is our greatest asset, and we pride ourselves on our people. Our teams are talented and inclusive and work together to provide better outcomes for our community, who are at the heart of everything we do. With a diverse range of professions and roles, we offer many career options and pathways, actively promoting opportunities and encouraging staff professional development.

Benefits include:

• Generous leave entitlements
• Long Service Leave after 5 years
• Option of flexitime for indoor staff
• 9-day fortnight for outdoor staff
• Flexible and remote working arrangements
• Novated lease arrangements available
• Opportunities for professional development and training
• Corporate wellbeing programs, including Fitness Passport and Employee Assistance Program (EAP), discounted health insurance
• NSW Welcome Experience

**Conditions apply as per the Local Government State award, and Council policies

Shoalhaven City Council is committed to creating a workplace that reflects our diverse community. We welcome applicants of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, veterans, people with a disability, culturally diverse individuals, and LGBTQIA+ community members. We ensure equitable recruitment practices, and encourage applicants living with a disability to request reasonable adjustments. As a Child Safe Organisation, we uphold the rights and safety of all children and young people.