Planning & Principal Planning Officer

Salary:

70 - 80

/ Hour

Contract Type:

Contract

Location:

QLD - Rockhampton - QLD

Industry:

Planning & Environment

Reference:

0104DD

Contact Name:

Daniel Driver

Contact Email:

daniel@publicsectorpeople.com.au

Date Published:

31-Mar-2026

This QLD local council is seeking an experienced and motivated Planning & Principal Planning Officer to join their Development Assessment team. This is a key leadership role where you’ll deliver high-level planning services, provide expert advice on complex development matters, and help guide sustainable growth in line with the community’s vision. In this role you’ll play a critical role in ensuring development outcomes align with Council’s planning framework while mentoring and supporting a team of planning professionals.

Key Responsibilities

Lead, mentor and support a small team of planning professionals, fostering a collaborative and high-performing culture
Assess and determine complex development applications and compliance matters in line with relevant legislation and Council’s planning scheme
Provide expert technical advice to Council, senior leaders, developers, consultants and the community
Prepare high-quality reports, recommendations and presentations, including presenting to Councilors and representing Council in formal forums
Participate in pre-lodgment meetings, development forums and Planning and Environment Court processes
Contribute to the development and continuous improvement of planning policies, procedures and systems
Support planning scheme amendments and strategic initiatives aligned with community and environmental priorities
Engage with internal and external stakeholders to deliver consistent and customer-focused planning outcomes
Ensure accurate record keeping and uphold strong governance, ethical and professional standards
Promote a safe, inclusive and values-driven workplace

Successful Candidate
To succeed in this role, you will bring:

Proven experience in statutory planning and development assessment, including complex applications
Strong knowledge of Queensland planning legislation and local government planning frameworks
Demonstrated leadership capability, with experience supervising or mentoring staff
Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to interpret technical plans and apply sound judgement
Highly developed written and verbal communication skills, including report writing and stakeholder engagement
The ability to manage competing priorities while maintaining high-quality outcomes
Strong digital capability across planning systems, GIS and Microsoft Office

Mandatory Requirements

Tertiary qualification in Urban and Regional Planning (or related discipline)
Membership (or eligibility) with the Planning Institute of Australia
Current driver license

Desirable

Experience with Planning and Environment Court processes
Exposure to community consultation and planning policy development
Understanding of environmental and ecological planning principles

If you are a planning professional located in the Rockhampton/ Yeppoon region or open to relocating to the region send your application through to: daniel@publicsectorpeople.com.au & give me a call on 0466 265 446 to discuss these opportunities in further detail!

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