This opportunity has been readvertised, and we welcome fresh applications from motivated candidates ready to bring their skills to our community.
Lead a dynamic, multi-disciplinary team shaping sustainable growth across the Bellingen Shire. Make your mark in a leadership role that balances professional challenge with lifestyle rewards.
About Us
Working with us means more than just a job – it's an opportunity to make a real difference at a local level. We're a small but impactful council known for innovation, collaboration, and community connection. With around 160 dedicated employees, our team is passionate about delivering services that support the people and places that make our shire special.
Bellingen Shire is a picturesque and diverse area located on the Mid North Coast of NSW, halfway between Sydney and Brisbane and just south of Coffs Harbour. Covering 1,605 square kilometres with around 10km of coastline, the region is renowned for its stunning natural beauty – from lush rainforests and pristine rivers to the World Heritage-listed Dorrigo National Park. Our towns and villages are known for their charm, creativity and strong community spirit.
Living and working here offers the perfect blend of lifestyle and purpose. With a focus on sustainability, cultural richness, and a warm, welcoming community, Bellingen Shire is an inspiring place to grow your career, enjoy work-life balance, and contribute to something meaningful.
The Opportunity
Bellingen Shire Council is seeking an experienced and forward-thinking leader to join our Senior Management Team as the Group Leader Development and Compliance. Reporting to the Deputy General Manager Operations, you will oversee the delivery of integrated development and compliance services including town planning, development assessment, environmental health, building regulation, and ranger services. This is a pivotal leadership role, responsible for aligning operations with legislative obligations while delivering high-quality, community-focused services across the Shire.
You will be supported by a highly skilled and professional team covering a wide range of technical disciplines. Together, you will deliver coordinated services that are consistent, responsive and aligned with Council's commitment to sustainable development and excellent community outcomes.
The ideal candidate will hold tertiary qualifications in Town Planning, Environmental Health, Building Surveying or a related discipline, and bring substantial experience leading teams in a regulatory, compliance or planning setting. You will demonstrate in-depth knowledge of relevant NSW legislation and show confidence navigating complex issues across statutory frameworks. Your experience working with diverse stakeholders – internal, community and government – will be critical in ensuring compliance outcomes that are transparent, fair and well-communicated.
To succeed in the role, you will need to be a skilled communicator and collaborator who thrives in a fast-paced environment and demonstrates accountability. You will bring structure and clarity to competing priorities, support team development, and confidently drive continuous improvement. With strong planning and organisational skills, sound judgement and a commitment to service excellence, you will contribute meaningfully to Council's leadership culture – and help shape a thriving, well-managed community.
On offer
Some of the benefits working for Bellingen Shire Council include:
* Access to Fitness Passport
* Access to employee wellbeing programs
* Hybrid and flexible work arrangements
* Ongoing professional development opportunities
* Salary packaging options
* Access to generous leave entitlements including long service leave after 5 years
* Permanent full-time role, 35 hours per week with access to monthly rostered day off
Annual salary circa $150k (plus super) plus access to a leaseback vehicle.
Still Have Questions?
* For further information regarding this role please contact Ashley Greenwood on
* For enquiries about the application process, please contact the Recruitment Team at
Sponsorship/work rights for Australia
Please note that visa sponsorship is not available. To be eligible for a continuing role, you must be an Australian or New Zealand citizen or hold Australian permanent residency.
Temporary visa holders may be considered for a fixed-term appointment aligned with the duration of their visa, depending on the needs of the role and the business unit.
How to Apply
Please read the Position Description by clicking the link at the bottom of this page to gain a full understanding of the responsibilities and requirements of the role.
No candidate meets every single desired qualification or skill. If your experience looks a little different from what we have outlined but you believe you could add value to the role, we would love to learn more about you
If this sounds like you
Applications close: Sunday, 5 October 2025 at 4pm
Further information
As part of the recruitment process, suitable candidates will be required to complete pre-employment screening which may include relevant background checks, functional capacity assessment, psychometric testing, and drug and alcohol screening (where relevant to the role).
Our recruitment process is managed via system generated emails. Please ensure your email is entered correctly to avoid missing important updates and outcomes.
Email notifications may include application confirmation, interview invitations, request for references, and application outcomes. Please check your email regularly, and don't forget to check your junk/spam folder.
Bellingen Shire Council is a 2025 Circle Back Initiative Employer – we commit to respond to every applicant.
Bellingen Shire Council as an equal opportunity employer is committed to a merit-based workforce that encompasses inclusiveness and diversity in an environment of mutual respect. We invite, encourage, welcome and value candidates of all ages, from diverse backgrounds and cultures, and people who have lived experience of disability to apply to work with us.
Bellingen Shire Council is committed to the safety and wellbeing of children and creating and maintaining a child safe organisation.
If you require additional assistance to participate in the recruitment process, please contact the People and Culture team on or You can ask for reasonable adjustments to be made at any time during the recruitment process.
Download our How to Apply Guide here
Group Leader Development and Compliance
Government & Defence Other
Closes 5th Oct 25
Bellingen New South Wales Australia