Planner

Fraser Coast Regional Council; Hervey Bay; On-site; AUD 81,240 - 99,293; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance

9-day fortnight

Hybrid work options

Employee discount program

Job summary

Fraser Coast Regional Council is seeking a motivated Planner to assess development applications and provide sound planning advice in a local government setting. The role requires a Town Planning qualification, strong analytical and communication skills, and the ability to meet statutory timeframes.

In Hervey Bay, the position offers a permanent full-time arrangement with a 9-day fortnight, relocation assistance, and hybrid work options.

Qualifications

• Diploma (AQF Level 5) or above in Town Planning
• Excellent analytical, communication and report-writing skills
• Ability to assess development applications and provide sound planning advice

Responsibilities

• Assess development applications and provide planning recommendations
• Deliver planning advice to applicants, consultants and stakeholders
• Conduct site inspections to support assessments and outcomes
• Prepare reports, planning certificates and correspondence within timeframes
• Liaise with internal and external stakeholders throughout the process

Skills

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Report writing

Stakeholder engagement

Time management

Education

Diploma in Town Planning

Tools

GIS

Job description

Development

Permanent Full Time

Hervey Bay

• Stream A Level 4 - $90,267 plus superannuation
  • 9-day fortnight
  • + $3,000 relocation assistance
  • Hybrid work options

At Fraser Coast Regional Council our people are our most important asset and central to achieving our purpose of Building Better Communities Together.

What We Are Looking For

We are seeking a motivated Planner with qualifications in Town Planning and a strong understanding of planning legislation within a local government environment. You will have excellent analytical, communication and report-writing skills, with the ability to assess development applications, provide sound planning advice and build positive relationships with a range of stakeholders. Experience interpreting planning frameworks, managing competing priorities and delivering outcomes within statutory timeframes will be highly regarded.

What Your Day Will Look Like

• Assess development applications and provide planning recommendations in line with legislative and Planning Scheme requirements.
• Deliver accurate and timely planning advice to applicants, consultants, the community and internal stakeholders.
• Conduct site inspections to support development assessments and planning outcomes.
• Prepare reports, planning certificates, correspondence and recommendations within required timeframes.
• Liaise with internal departments, government agencies and external stakeholders throughout the assessment process.
• Respond to customer enquiries and assist with planning compliance and customer service activities.
• Contribute to policy, procedure and process improvements that enhance service delivery.
• Support senior planning staff by providing technical advice and participating in team and Directorate initiatives.

What You’ll Need For Success

• Diploma (AQF Level 5) or above in Town Planning, with eligibility to be recognised as an Affiliate Member of the Planning Institute of Australia (PIA).
• Valid class C or CA driver licence (provisional or open) to drive a vehicle in Queensland
• Demonstrated knowledge and ability to interpret and apply planning legislation, including the Planning Act 2016, within a local government context.
• Well-developed research, analytical and problem-solving skills to assess applications, interpret information and provide sound advice and recommendations.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills to consult, negotiate and maintain stakeholder relationships.
• Proven ability to manage workloads, prioritise tasks and meet statutory and organisational timeframes.
• Demonstrated ability to prepare clear, accurate and comprehensive reports and documentation.

What’s Nice To Have

• Membership or eligibility for membership of the Planning Institute of Australia (PIA).
• Extensive knowledge of Queensland state legislation relevant to land use planning.
• GIS experience.

We understand that not all candidates will meet every selection criterion. If you have the right approach and the ability to contribute effectively, we welcome your application.

Benefits Of Working With Council

Committed to providing quality services to our community, we strongly support an inclusive and values driven culture, recognising your individual skills, knowledge and talent. As part of this we have implemented our Leadership Development Program, Boss to Coach. We also create innovative solutions to labour shortages through our TEMPO program which has been recognised by our HR peers nationally in 2022, as well as winning the LGMA 2023 Excellence in Innovation award.

What We Offer

• Values based culture
• Employee discount shopping program
• Professional development
• Flexible working arrangements including work from home
• Study assistance program
• Novated leasing
• 24/7 access to Employee Assistance Program
• Paid maternity and paternity leave
• Paid emergency services leave
• Uniform subsidy
• Years of service rewards

Applications close 11pm on Thursday 13th August 2026 - subject to change pending qualified applications received.

Fraser Coast Regional Council is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.

For further details please contact Jeff Brannan, Manager Development Assessment at [e-mail].