Urban Planner

Queensland Airports Limited; Gold Coast City; On-site; AUD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading airport operator in Gold Coast City is seeking an experienced Urban Planner to join their Planning team. The role involves strategic land-use planning, development approvals, and engaging with stakeholders to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements. Suitable candidates will have a background in urban planning and a passion for aviation planning. The position offers flexible working options and values diversity.

Benefits

Flexible working options

Inclusive workplace culture

Growth opportunities

Qualifications

• Minimum two years’ experience in delivering master plans or development applications.
• Knowledge of aviation planning is preferable but not essential.
• Experience in coordinating with government and stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Lead the preparation and management of Airport Master Plans and Development Applications.
• Support terminal and airfield planning by overseeing concept designs.
• Safeguard airport operations by monitoring land use impacts.
• Engage with community and industry through consultations.
• Prepare reports and documents for executives.

Skills

Strategic land use planning

Development approvals

Stakeholder engagement

Education

Tertiary qualification in urban planning or related discipline

Job description

Queensland Airports Limited (QAL) is an accomplished airport operator which owns and operates Gold Coast, Townsville, Mount Isa and Longreach airports – connecting the Gold Coast and northern NSW, along with regional Queensland, to the rest of the country and beyond.

We are an Australian owned company, committed to delivering for the communities in which we operate, recognising the important economic and social benefits we offer to the regions we support.

QAL is formally recognised as a ‘Great Place to Work – Certified’ organisation – currently the only airport operator in Australia with this certification. QAL is dedicated to a target of net zero Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions by 2030. With strong passenger numbers and terminal upgrades underway - there has never been a better time to join QAL.

Overview

As we continue to grow, Queensland Airports Limited (QAL) has an exciting opportunity for an Urban Planner to join our Planning team. This is a permanent, full-time position, reporting to the GM Planning & Design, and is ideal for candidates with a tertiary qualification in urban planning, property, or a related discipline.

The Urban Planner is responsible for strategic land-use planning, aviation planning, and development approvals across QAL airports and off-airport properties. This includes coordinating the delivery and implementation of Airport Master Plans, Major Development Plans (MDPs), and Development Applications (DAs), as well as providing research and expert advice for key projects to ensure compliance with all relevant regulatory requirements.

The role also contributes to the protection of airport airspace and operations by ensuring surrounding land use and development aligns with state and local government controls. Additionally, the Urban Planner will support the planning and delivery of terminal and airfield infrastructure projects, collaborating with internal teams, consultants, and stakeholders to achieve strategic outcomes.

How will you make an impact?

We are seeking a planning professional who is passionate about strategic land use, aviation, and development planning. You will bring at least two years’ experience in delivering master plans, major development plans and/or development applications, as well as providing research and advice for key projects at Queensland Airports Limited. While experience within airport environments is desirable, it is not essential.

Responsibilities

• Lead the preparation and management of Airport Master Plans, Major Development Plans (MDPs), and Development Applications, ensuring compliance with the Airports Act 1996 and alignment with strategic objectives.
• Support terminal and airfield planning projects by contributing to concept designs, feasibility studies, and redevelopment planning, while coordinating specialist consultants.
• Safeguard airport operations by monitoring land use and development impacts, providing expert advice on airspace protection, and working with regulators and stakeholders.
• Engage with government, industry, community, and internal stakeholders through workshops, presentations, and public consultation processes.
• Prepare high-quality reports, advice, and technical documents for executives and committees, while monitoring project budgets, timelines, and performance outcomes.
• Foster continuous improvement and innovation by enhancing planning processes, promoting best practice in WH&S, and providing exceptional service to both internal and external stakeholders.

What we offer

This is an opportunity to be part of a progressive organisation with a great culture and assist in the transformation and growth of the business. Flexible working options are available for all employees. At QAL, we uphold the philosophy that the smooth integration of life and work benefits all. We call it Living Well.

QAL supports an inclusive approach and values diversity within the workplace. We aim to provide opportunities that allow individuals to reach their full potential regardless of their background, gender, age, work status, religious or cultural identity. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are encouraged to apply.

The successful candidate will be required to adhere to QAL’s Drug and Alcohol Management Plan (DAMP, which includes pre-employment Drug and Alcohol Testing) and have the ability to obtain an Aviation Security Identification Card (ASIC).