Why work with us?
At Council, we’re proud of our region. We collaborate with community to achieve truly sustainable outcomes, enhance our enviable lifestyle, and create award-winning places and spaces that are uniquely Sunshine Coast. So, if you love it here as much as we do, and you want to help shape the future of our region – you’ll want to join our team !
With the vision to be Australia’s most sustainable region - Connected. Liveable. Thriving , our region is a model of sustainability, where caring for our environment, creating vibrant communities and growing our local economy is a way of life.
About the Role
The Strategic Planning Branch plays a leading role in shaping the future of the Sunshine Coast through the development and management of strategic land use policy and the Sunshine Coast Planning Scheme. Working at the forefront of growth management and long-term planning, the Branch delivers innovative, sustainable planning solutions that support vibrant communities, environmental stewardship and a thriving regional economy, while ensuring compliance with relevant legislation and planning frameworks.
As Strategic Planner (New Planning Scheme), you will be part of a dedicated team delivering one of Council’s most significant strategic planning projects—the preparation of the new Planning Scheme. This is an exciting opportunity to influence how the region grows and develops by undertaking research, developing policy, contributing to strategic planning initiatives and collaborating with a broad range of stakeholders. Your work will directly support Council’s vision for sustainable growth and help shape the future of one of Australia’s most desirable regions.
Key Responsibilities
- Undertake research, investigations and data analysis on planning issues, preparing technical reports and briefing papers to inform the New Planning Scheme.
- Contribute to the development of strategic land use plans, policies and strategies in accordance with planning legislation and State planning instruments.
- Assist in drafting and preparing Planning Scheme content and assess the impacts of major strategic projects on planning outcomes.
- Support project delivery, stakeholder engagement and consultation activities, including managing planning studies and responding to community submissions.
This position is based at Sunshine Coast City Hall , in the heart of Maroochydore CBD. This state of the art and sustainable building is designed to achieve an innovative and collaborative workspace.
About you
- Qualified Planning Professional: you hold a recognised tertiary qualification (degree) that meets Planning Institute of Australia membership requirements (or eligibility) and have a strong foundation in strategic and statutory planning.
- Strategic Thinker: you bring experience in land use planning, policy development, research and analysis, with the ability to translate strategic outcomes into practical planning solutions.
- Collaborative Communicator: you excel at building relationships, consulting with stakeholders and communicating complex planning concepts through clear advice, presentations and reports.
- Motivated and Future-Focused: you are a proactive, self-motivated professional who enjoys working within a collaborative team environment and is passionate about shaping sustainable communities. Experience in planning scheme preparation or other local planning instruments will be highly regarded.
Our Culture & Employee Benefits
Council is committed to creating an inclusive, culturally diverse , healthy, skilled and dedicated workplace culture. As an employee you will enjoy a range of benefits and working styles to suit you:
- Wellbeing : Your wellbeing is important to us therefore we offer several different initiatives such as discounted health related memberships, fitness passport, employee assistance program and development opportunities.
- Flexibility: We know it is important to balance life and work; therefore, we offer flexible working including a 9-day fortnight and a hybrid WFH model that help you be your best.
- Extras: Those extras make a difference therefore we offer salary packaging options on novated leases, superannuation, smartphones and devices.
How to apply
Your written application should include:
- A 1-2 page cover letter demonstrating your ability to fulfil the mandatory and desirable requirements in the Position Profile . Keep the key responsibilities in mind when addressing these criteria in your cover letter; and
- A current resume or curriculum vitae.
Once you have these two documents ready, click ‘Apply Now’ and follow the prompts to complete your application.
We welcome applications from planning professionals at all career stages. Candidates who demonstrate strong potential, capability and a commitment to strategic planning are encouraged to apply, including those in the earlier stages. Remuneration will be commensurate with the successful candidate's skills, experience and qualifications.
Further Information
Helpful information to assist you in completing your application is available on the Sunshine Coast Council website.
To learn more about Council’s vision and projects, you can view the Corporate Plan 2025-2030 and the New Sunshine Coast Planning Scheme Project webpage.
For specific enquiries, contact Jason Krueger (Coordinator Planning Scheme and Projects) during business hours on 07 5420 8710.
At Sunshine Coast Council, we embrace differences in gender, age, ethnicity, race, cultural background including First Nations, disability, religion and sexual orientation. To deliver the best service to our region we want a workforce that reflects the diverse community that we serve. Sunshine Coast Council strongly encourages all suitable applicants to apply for this role.
