Lead Principal Strategic Planner - Sunshine Coast Council - based in Maroochydore (Hybrid options)
About the Sunshine Coast Region
The Sunshine Coast is a picturesque region in southeastern Queensland, Australia, just an hour north of Brisbane, celebrated for its pristine beaches, lush hinterland, and relaxed coastal lifestyle. Offering a perfect blend of natural beauty and up-to-date vibrancy, it’s home to world-class surf breaks, scenic mountain trails, and charming hinterland villages. Visitors and locals alike enjoy its fresh local produce, thriving dining scene, iconic attractions such as Australia Zoo, and a lively calendar of events. With a warm subtropical climate and convenient access via Sunshine Coast Airport, the region is a year-round destination that effortlessly combines leisure, adventure, and culture.
Role Overview
This newly created role will see the Lead Principal Strategic Planner act as Council’s technical expert in strategic land use planning, driving the development and delivery of key planning instruments such as the Sunshine Coast Planning Scheme. You’ll provide high-level technical and policy advice, lead regional planning initiatives, and develop innovative strategies that balance growth, infrastructure, and environmental priorities while ensuring all planning frameworks align with Council’s vision and Queensland legislation.
What’s On Offer
- Newly created leadership position.
- Total salary package is between $156,660 - $177,247 including superannuation.
- Relocation assistance can be discussed.
- 4 weeks annual leave with 17.5% leave loading.
- Flexible/hybrid working (potentially 1-2 days from home - negotiable).
- A chance to contribute to meaningful regional planning outcomes that will shape the future of the Sunshine Coast.
Responsibilities
- You will be Council’s technical subject matter expert in strategic land use planning, providing authoritative advice on complex planning matters and guiding the development of key strategic planning instruments.
- Lead the preparation, implementation, and review of the Sunshine Coast Planning Scheme, ensuring it reflects Council’s strategic direction and complies with Queensland’s planning legislation.
- Oversee the delivery of major strategic land use projects, including regional growth frameworks, local plans, structure plans, master plans and policy initiatives that balance economic, environmental, and community outcomes.
- Provide expert input into Council’s long-term vision for sustainable growth, infrastructure coordination, and regional development.
- Manage and mentor a team of professional planners, fostering capability, technical excellence, and a collaborative culture that promotes innovation and continuous improvement.
- Work closely with Council departments, the Queensland Government, developers, and community stakeholders to ensure planning outcomes are integrated, consistent, and strategically aligned.
- Represent Council in high-level planning forums and discussions, advocating for sound planning policy and best-practice approaches to land use and development.
- Oversee the preparation of reports, submissions, and presentations that communicate complex planning information clearly and persuasively to both technical and non-technical audiences.
Qualifications and Experience
- A tertiary qualification in urban and regional planning or a related discipline, with extensive experience in strategic land use planning within local or state government.
- Ideally a Planning Institute Australia membership or happy to attain.
- Proven success in strategic land use planning, with experience in local planning instruments, planning scheme reviews, growth management strategies, and effective advocacy with state agencies and key stakeholders.
- Extensive experience preparing and refining statutory planning documents, including the drafting and amendment of planning schemes, policies, and associated land use frameworks.
- A strong working knowledge of the Planning Act 2016, State Planning Policy, and associated planning frameworks relevant to Queensland or a willingness to learn
- Proven ability to lead, influence, and deliver major planning projects from concept to implementation, ensuring outcomes align with statutory requirements and Council’s strategic objectives.
- Demonstrated capability to analyse complex planning issues, interpret legislation and policy, and provide sound, evidence-based recommendations.
- Exceptional communication and stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively across multidisciplinary teams and build productive relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
- Experience representing an organisation in high-level forums or negotiations, with confidence and professionalism.
- Strong leadership and mentoring skills, with a passion for developing others and contributing to a high-performing team culture.
- A commitment to innovation, sustainability, and delivering planning outcomes that contribute to a connected, liveable, and environmentally responsible Sunshine Coast.
About the Sunshine Coast Council
Sunshine Coast Council is one of Queensland’s most forward-thinking local governments, driving sustainable growth and community-focused development. Serving one of Australia’s fastest-growing coastal regions, the Council balances progress with environmental care and quality of life.
Please visit the Sunshine Coast Council website to learn more about Council and access the below documents. On the home page, please copy and paste the below into the search bar”
How to Apply
If you’re ready to make a genuine impact in one of Queensland’s most dynamic and forward-thinking Councils, we’d love to hear from you. Please submit your application via the Apply button or contact Brock O’Brien at Precruitment for a confidential discussion on 0468 566 523 or ()
Applications close
Friday 24th October 2025
About Precruitment
With offices in Cairns, Townsville and Brisbane, Precruitment is Queensland’s leading recruitment consultancy, specialising in permanent and temporary Local Government roles. We proudly partner with councils and regional employers to connect exceptional professionals with meaningful opportunities that combine lifestyle and career growth
📌 Lead Principal Strategic Planner
🏢 Precruitment
📍 Sunshine Coast