Senior Planning Officer

Cairns Regional Council; Cairns Regional; On-site; AUD 102,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working

Fitness Passport

Paid parental leave

Relocation assistance may be available

Learning and development opportunities

Job summary

Cairns Regional Council is seeking a Senior Planning Officer to join the Development Services team at Council Chambers, Cairns. You will lead the assessment and coordination of significant development applications, ensuring statutory obligations and service standards are met while balancing community expectations and quality outcomes.

You will work with internal specialists, industry, government agencies and the community, providing high‑level planning advice, mentoring, leadership and

Qualifications

• Qualifications in Town Planning from a recognised university or equivalent.
• Extensive experience in development assessment and planning practice.
• Strong knowledge of planning legislation and statutory requirements.
• Proven ability to lead, mentor and coordinate multidisciplinary teams.
• Excellent communication with staff, stakeholders and the community.

Responsibilities

• Lead the assessment and coordination of complex development applications.
• Ensure compliance with statutory obligations and service standards.
• Provide high‑level planning advice and foster collaborative relationships.
• Mentor and develop team capability through leadership and process improvement.

Skills

Town Planning

Development Assessment

Stakeholder Engagement

Leadership

Risk Management

Communication

Education

Planning degree

Job description

Salary Range: $102,167.42 - $110,382.66 per annum

Position Type: Full Time Permanent

Location: Council Chambers, 119 – 145 Spence Street, Cairns

Application Close Date: Sunday, 23 August 2026 at 11.30pm AEST

Help shape the future of our region

We have an exciting opportunity for a Senior Planning Officer to join our Development Services team!

What You Will Do:

As a Senior Planning Officer, you will lead the assessment and coordination of significant and complex development applications, ensuring statutory obligations and service standards are achieved while balancing community expectations, legislative requirements and quality development outcomes.

You will work closely with internal specialists, the development industry, government agencies and the community, providing high-level planning advice and fostering collaborative relationships. You will also play an important role in strengthening team capability through technical mentoring, leadership and business improvement initiatives.

What We Are Looking For:

• Qualifications in Town Planning from a recognised university or other tertiary education institution, or equivalent along with demonstrated substantial planning and development assessment expertise, preferably with some of that experience in a Local Government or similar.
• Demonstrated knowledge of and skills in interpreting and applying the Planning Act 2016 and substantial practical experience in the assessment or preparation of development applications.
• Extensive knowledge of statutory requirements, policies, procedures, relevant legislation, guidelines and industry best practice.
• Extensive knowledge and experience in the field of planning and development, and demonstrated experience in development assessment, understanding the principals of planning as they relate to broader development outcomes.
• Demonstrated ability to foster and lead a risk management approach to development assessment, and facilitation of a problem solving/outcomes orientated approach to work.
• Superior communication skills which develop and maintain effective working relationships with staff, customers and stakeholders and that facilitates solutions and seeks sound development outcomes in accordance with established policy and procedures.

Some benefits we offer:

• Achieve work / life balance with flexible working arrangements
• Fitness Passport - subsidised health and well-being memberships (gym/swimming pool)
• Recharge with up to 5 weeks annual leave
• Up to 3 weeks personal leave
• Relocation assistance may be available for preferred candidates.
• Salary sacrifice opportunities
• Grow personally and professionally with learning and development opportunities
• Cherish family time with up to 14 weeks paid parental leave

We are committed to:

• Fostering a collaborative and inclusive work environment
• Embracing innovation and continuous improvement
• Cultivating a culture of professional growth and support