Development Planner

Lake Macquarie City Council – Speers Point NSW Join Lake Macquarie City Council and shape the future of our growing city Are you ready to make a real difference in one of the largest and most diverse councils in the Hunter Region? Join our passionate team at Lake Macquarie City Council, where your expertise will help shape the city’s growth and create positive outcomes for our community. Let’s Explore the Job We’re seeking a skilled Development Assessment Planner to join our team and play a key role in shaping the future of Lake Macquarie. In this role, you will assess a diverse range of development applications, from residential and commercial projects to industrial, tourism, rural, environmental and foreshore developments. With the variety of work across our city and natural landscapes, no two days will feel the same. You will thrive in a fast-paced environment where pragmatic, timely decision-making leads to great outcomes for our community. Your strong understanding of the NSW planning system, combined with your ability to communicate clearly with residents, developers, planning bodies and expert panels, will be essential to your success. You’ll be supported by experienced senior planners and work as part of a collaborative, friendly and highly capable team. Together, you’ll help ensure Lake Macquarie remains a great place to live, work, play and visit. In This Role, You Will: Assess and determine development proposals across all sectors – residential, commercial, industrial, tourism, rural, environmental, and foreshore. Manage projects and applications reviewed by our Design Review Panel, the Hunter and Central Coast Regional Planning Panel, and Council. Provide expert town planning advice through our pre-lodgement consultation service. Coordinate technical input and advice on state‑significant planning applications and policy matters. Provide duty planner support services as required. Read the position statement and learn more about this exciting opportunity. Let’s Hear About You You’re a skilled and experienced planner, ready to bring your expertise into a team where your contribution truly matters. A pragmatic problem solver, you thrive in a fast‑paced environment and manage a high‑volume workload with professionalism and focus. You take pride in making timely, well‑informed decisions and seeing real outcomes delivered. You are passionate about creating great customer experiences and can explain the complexities of the NSW planning system with clarity and confidence to a wide range of stakeholders. Collaborative and team‑oriented, you also work independently and proactively, achieving your own goals while contributing to the broader objectives of the department. You Will Bring: Degree or Graduate Diploma in town planning or other suitable qualification relevant to the field of expertise. The ability to assess, determine and manage a variety of development proposals efficiently and in accordance with legislative requirements. The ability to manage a high‑volume workload, plan, organise and prioritise tasks to achieve success. The ability to problem‑solve, influence others and negotiate. Demonstrated professional written and oral communication skills, including the ability to effectively interact with a range of customers and stakeholders. Advanced report writing and proof‑reading skills to ensure decisions are clear and understandable. Proven ability to deliver exceptional customer experiences. Let’s Reveal the Perks Competitive salary up to $109,614 a year plus 12 % superannuation. Annual Enterprise Agreement pay increases apply. Commencing salary set in line with skills and experience with annual reviews available to support movement through the salary range. Leaseback vehicle option. 35‑hour working week with hybrid work model and flexible working hours. Weekly pay. Health and wellbeing benefits: discounted corporate gym memberships from $10 per week, a vibrant social club, regular wellbeing initiatives, annual flu vaccinations and confidential support through our Employee Assistance Program (EAP). Free parking available. We value your health and wellbeing, offering discounted corporate gym memberships from just $10 per week, a vibrant social club, regular wellbeing initiatives, annual flu vaccinations and confidential support through our Employee Assistance Program (EAP). We are committed to being an employer of choice. We will do all we can to help you develop your skills, and make a difference right from the start. We have a flexible workplace and focus on all aspects of your physical and mental health and safety. We want you to be with us for the long‑term, providing you with rich career experiences and ongoing development as our priority. A supportive, innovative, and collaborative workplace culture where you will be closely connected with your team of professionals. Along with many other perks that come from choosing Lake Mac Choose the Lake Mac Way We know it is our people that will shape the future of our city. That’s why we’re passionate about providing a workplace that empowers our staff to be creative, innovative and bold. When you join the team at Lake Macquarie City Council, you’re joining a group of people with a commitment to make our city even better. We’re proud of our city and the work we do, and we know you will be too. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive workforce. We believe that a diverse network of employees, which truly reflects the people it serves and represents, is best equipped to understand and meet the needs of our community. We welcome and encourage applications from all ages and genders, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people from culturally diverse backgrounds, the LGBTIQ+ community, refugees and people with disability. We understand the skills and attributes veterans can bring to our Council. Let’s Start If this role sounds like you, we would love to hear from you Simply click apply now – answer some questions and attach your resume by midnight, Sunday 30 November 2025 . For a confidential discussion about the role, please contact Amy Regado, Section Manager Development on 0439 222 *** or via email *******@lakemac.nsw.gov.au. If you require assistance submitting your application, or have any questions regarding the recruitment process, please contact Georgina Green, Talent Acquisition Advisor, on 02 4921 0*** or via email ******@lakemac.nsw.gov.au. Your experience throughout the application process matters to us. If you would like feedback on your application or interview, don’t hesitate to get in touch – we’re here for you To complete your online application, you will be asked to upload a copy of your resume and provide responses to questions which are based on the criteria listed in the Position Statement. Please note that as part of Lake Macquarie City Council’s recruitment process, prior to an offer of employment being made, recommended candidates may be subject to a medical assessment which may include alcohol and other drugs testing. Be careful – don’t provide your bank or credit card details when applying for jobs. Don’t transfer any money or complete suspicious online surveys. If you see something suspicious, report this job ad. #J-18808-Ljbffr