Town Planner

Ballina Shire Council; Ballina Shire; On-site; AUD 97,000 - 112,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance

Flexible work arrangements

Professional development

Health & wellbeing programs

Job security

Job summary

Ballina Shire Council is seeking an appropriately qualified planning professional to join the Development Services team as Town Planner. The role focuses on delivering quality development assessments and compliance services to support sustainable growth across the shire.

You will work on a variety of projects from residential subdivisions to commercial, mixed-use and visitor accommodation, contributing to community needs and values while offering flexible work arrangements.

Qualifications

• Tertiary qualifications in Town Planning or related discipline.
• Demonstrated professional experience in development assessment and statutory planning.
• Knowledge of the Local Government Act and the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act.
• Strong written and oral communication skills and ability to prepare complex technical reports.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team within set timeframes.

Responsibilities

• Support the delivery of development assessment and compliance services.
• Provide advice and support to achieve high-quality development outcomes across the shire.
• Contribute to planning for growth across the shire and large greenfield projects.
• Work collaboratively with the Development Services team.

Skills

Professional experience in development

Knowledge of Local Government Act

Knowledge of Environmental Planning &:

Strong written and oral communication

Independent working

Team collaboration

Education

Tertiary qualifications in Town Planning or related discipline

Job description

Change your lifestyle and live and work in a vibrant community and great coastal environment.

Ballina Shire Council is situated on the Far North Coast of New South Wales, 20 minutes from Byron Bay and one hour from the Gold Coast. The shire is a popular tourism destination with pristine beaches, rainforest retreats and hinterland hideaways.

ABOUT US

Change your lifestyle and live and work in a vibrant community and great coastal environment.

Ballina Shire Council is situated on the Far North Coast of New South Wales, 20 minutes from Byron Bay and one hour from the Gold Coast. The shire is a popular tourism destination with pristine beaches, rainforest retreats and hinterland hideaways.

ABOUT THE ROLE

Position

We are seeking an appropriately qualified and experienced planning professional to join Council's Development Services team.

This Town Planner role offers an exciting opportunity to influence the future of the Ballina Shire, shaping positive growth and contributing to well-planned, sustainable development across the community.

You will support the delivery of high-quality development assessment and compliance services, providing advice and support to contribute to high-quality development outcomes across our shire.

The position offers an exciting opportunity to work in a high growth coastal regional council with a wide variety of interesting development projects including a number of large greenfield residential subdivisions, commercial, mixed use and industrial developments and tourist and visitor accommodation projects. This is a great opportunity for a driven professional to contribute to positive planning outcomes that reflect community needs and values.

Council will consider both full time and part time (minimum 3 days/week) working arrangements, and will discuss further with the preferred candidates and interview stage.

To be successful you will bring

• Behaviour that positively demonstrates Council’s values of: creative, accessible, respect, energetic and safe.
• Tertiary qualifications in Town Planning or related discipline.
• Demonstrated professional experience in development assessment and statutory planning.
• Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of the Local Government Act.
• Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act.
• Proven ability to work independently and as part of a team with a focus on delivering quality customer service within set timeframes.
• Demonstrated good communication skills, both oral and written, including conflict resolution skills and the ability to prepare complex technical reports and submissions.

The rewards

Joining Ballina Shire Council means more than just a job—it’s an opportunity to build a rewarding career while making a real difference in your community. We offer a range of benefits to support your wellbeing, growth and work-life balance, including:

• A full time annual salary range of $97,200 to $111,600 (plus 12% superannuation), dependent upon experience, skills and qualifications.
• Flexible work arrangements to support your lifestyle, including a rostered day off working arrangement for full time staff (9 day fortnight or 4 day week).
• Support toward the cost of relocation associated with recruitment.
• Ongoing professional development and training opportunities
• Job security and a supportive, values-driven workplace culture
• Health and wellbeing initiatives, including Fitness Passport member options
• Meaningful work that contributes to the sustainability and liveability of our region.

Applications close

11.30pm on Wednesday 14 October 2026

Specific enquiries

Andrew Smith | Manager Development Services | 02 6686 1***