Development Planner

Permanent Full Time

Shape the future of one of NSW’s most unique and diverse cities.

Join Lake Macquarie City Council and play a key role in guiding development outcomes that protect and enhance our stunning natural environment while supporting a vibrant, growing community.

As a Development Planner, you will assess a diverse mix of development proposals across residential, commercial, industrial, tourism and environmental sectors. From waterfront projects to complex urban developments, you’ll help deliver planning decisions that shape the future of Lake Macquarie.

Working alongside a supportive and experienced planning team, you’ll contribute to high-quality development outcomes while building your expertise within one of the Hunter Region’s most dynamic local government areas.

LET’S EXPLORE THE ROLE

This is an exciting opportunity for a motivated planner to join our Development Assessment team and work across a broad range of planning matters.

No two days are the same. You will assess diverse development proposals, provide expert planning advice, and collaborate with internal specialists, developers, and the community to deliver balanced and well-informed planning outcomes.

You’ll be supported by experienced senior planners and leaders who value collaboration, professional growth and strong decision-making.

In this role you will:

Assess and determine development applications across residential, commercial, industrial, tourism, rural and environmental sectors
Contribute to projects considered by the Design Review Panel, Hunter & Central Coast Regional Planning Panel and Council
Provide professional town planning advice through our pre-lodgement consultation service
Coordinate technical advice from internal specialists and external agencies
Support planning policy and proposal assessments where required
Support duty planner services and respond to customer enquiries

Read theposition statementand learn more about this exciting opportunity.

LET’S HEAR ABOUT YOU

You are a motivated and capable Development Planner who enjoys solving planning challenges and delivering outcomes that benefit the community.

You thrive in a collaborative environment, communicate confidently with a range of stakeholders, and can balance competing priorities while making sound planning decisions.

You bring strong technical knowledge of the NSW planning framework and are comfortable interpreting legislation, policy and controls to guide development outcomes.

You will bring:

A Degree or Graduate Diploma in Town Planning (or related discipline)
Demonstrated experience assessing development applications in accordance with relevant legislation
Ability to manage competing priorities and deliver outcomes in a high-volume environment
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
Excellent written communication and report-writing skills
Ability to communicate planning matters clearly with a range of stakeholders
Commitment to delivering positive 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
Discounted corporate gym memberships from $10 per week
Employee Assistance Program and wellbeing initiatives
Social club and team events
Free on-site parking
Ongoing professional development opportunities
Supportive, collaborative team culture
Along with many otherperksthat 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! Click “Apply Now”, answer three quick questions, and upload your resume by midnight, Sunday 22 March 2026.
For a confidential discussion about the role, please contact Glen Mathews,Principal Development Planneron 4921 0399 via emailgmathews@lakemac.nsw.gov.au
For recruitment enquiries please contact Georgina Green,Talent Attraction Partner, on 02 4921 0495 or via emailggreen@lakemac.nsw.gov.au
To view the Capability Framework – Role Profile relevant to this role, please clickhere.
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.

Lake Macquarie City Council

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