Senior Strategic Planner

Fraser Coast Regional Council; Hervey Bay; On-site; AUD 104,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation allowance

5 days recreational leave

10-day fortnight

Leave loading 17.5%

9-day fortnight

Job summary

Fraser Coast Regional Council is seeking an experienced Senior Strategic Planner to lead regional land-use planning and sustainability initiatives in Hervey Bay. The role focuses on delivering policy guidance, coordinating projects, and providing expert planning advice across the council.

You will work within a dynamic team, applying state legislation, preparing reports, and engaging with diverse stakeholders to support sustainable development for the Fraser Coast region.

Qualifications

• Degree in town planning or related field (AQF Level 7 or above).
• Experience developing and drafting land use policies, strategies and frameworks.
• Ability to interpret and apply legislation, policy and complex technical information.

Responsibilities

• Lead strategic land-use planning projects and provide timely planning advice.
• Apply legislation, policies and the Planning Scheme to deliver integrated guidance.
• Analyse and manage complex data to inform policy and decisions.
• Assess development applications and pre-lodgement inquiries per statutory requirements.
• Develop and maintain land-use planning policies, reports and stakeholder engagement activities.

Skills

Strategic planning

Leadership

Policy analysis

Stakeholder engagement

Communication

Education

AQF Level 7 degree in town planning or related field

Job description

Hervey Bay

• + $6,000 Relocation allowance (for suitable candidates)
• + 5 days additional recreational leave
• + 10-day fortnight

Strategy & Sustainability

Temporary Full Time - to 23 June 2027

Hervey Bay

IFA 6 to IFA 7 - $119,126 to $130,091 per annum + super

• + $6,000 Relocation allowance (for suitable candidates)
• + 5 days additional recreational leave
• + 10-day fortnight

OR

Stream A Level 6 to Level 7

Stream A Level 6 to Level 7 - $104,018 to $114,225 per annum + super

• + $6,000 Relocation allowance (for suitable candidates)
• + 17.5% leave loading
• + 9-day fortnight

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

Our Council is a dynamic and forward-thinking entity committed to fostering sustainable development and effective land use planning within our region. We are seeking an experienced Senior Strategic Planner to join our team and play a pivotal role in shaping the future of our community.

What Your Day Will Look Like

As a Senior Strategic Planner, you will be an integral part of our team, contributing to the development, implementation, monitoring, and continuous improvement of regional strategic land use planning and sustainability policies, strategies, and procedures. Your primary responsibilities will include:

• Lead strategic land‑use planning projects and provide accurate, timely and professional planning advice.
• Apply legislation, policies and the Planning Scheme to deliver integrated, multidisciplinary planning guidance.
• Analyse and manage complex data to inform strategic policy and support evidence‑based decisions.
• Assess development applications and pre‑lodgement enquiries in line with statutory requirements and Council policy.
• Develop and maintain land‑use planning policies, research and reports, and deliver stakeholder engagement, consultation and project management activities.

What You’ll Need For Success

• Degree (AQF Level 7 or above) in town planning or related field.
• Demonstrated expertise in developing and drafting land use planning policies, strategies and frameworks.
• Proven ability to interpret and apply legislation, policy and complex technical information relevant to land use planning.
• Demonstrated capability to lead and deliver complex projects, including management of consultants, competing priorities and high‑profile deliverables.
• Strong interpersonal, written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to prepare reports, consult, influence, negotiate and present to a diverse range of stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to operate in a leadership capacity, providing guidance, mentoring and capability development to less experienced staff while contributing to a high‑performing team environment.

What’s Nice To Have

• Extensive knowledge of Queensland state legislation applicable to the position
• Membership or eligibility for membership of the Planning Institute of Australia
• 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 Monday 31 August 2026, close date is subject to change pending qualified applications received.

A cover letter outlining your suitability for the role, and a current resume is required.

For further details please contact Lauren Payler - Manager Strategic Land Use Planning - [e-mail].

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