Overview
Are you a Senior Strategic Planner with a passion for building vibrant, sustainable communities? This is your opportunity to make a real difference in the Cessnock Local Government Area. You will help guide sustainable development, protect the unique character of our region, and support growth that meets the evolving needs of residents and visitors. You will collaborate with a dedicated team to deliver effective and efficient services, lead the investigation and preparation of long-term strategic plans, studies, reports, environmental planning instruments, and policies that are contemporary, relevant, and aligned with Council’s and the community’s aspirations.
Role requirements
We’re looking for someone with a degree in Strategic Land Use Planning, Town Planning, Urban and Regional Planning, or a closely related discipline. You’ll bring a robust understanding of planning principles, the NSW planning system, and relevant legislative frameworks, along with demonstrated experience in leading complex strategic planning projects, delivering expert planning advice, and working effectively within a local government or similar environment.
Responsibilities
- Lead the investigation and preparation of long-term strategic plans, studies, reports, environmental planning instruments, and policies.
- Collaborate with Council and the community to ensure plans are contemporary, relevant, and aspirational.
- Provide strategic planning advice and guidance within a local government setting.
- Contribute to building sustainable development that protects the character of the region and supports growth.
Remuneration
$106,417 - 122,380 per annum plus superannuation
Benefits
- Full-time 35 hours per week
- Flexible work arrangement options including hybrid work arrangements, nine-day fortnight option or monthly RDO
- 13% superannuation with a 1% increase in January 2026
- Salary packaging option of novated leasing available for permanent staff
- Generous leave entitlements including Long Service Leave after 5 years
- Paid Parental Leave
- Ongoing training and development opportunities including access to Council's Study Assistance program
- Generous corporate fitness program for you and your immediate family
- Weekly Health and Wellbeing programs on site
- Free flu vaccination program
- Lease back vehicle with full private use available
- Work laptop provided
- Free parking on-site
- Beautiful location in the Hunter Valley
What’s Next?
We encourage you to apply by completing the application form below and uploading a copy of your resume. Your suitability is determined by your responses to the selection criteria questions. For information on how to address the selection criteria please visit our How to apply page.
Pre-Employment
Please note, prior to an offer of employment, recommended candidates will be required to undertake a medical assessment (including drug and alcohol testing) and other pre-employment checks such as references, employment history checks, working with children checks, or a criminal record check.
About Us
At Cessnock City Council our success is built by our people and core values. We offer you a direct connection to the community, providing opportunities to inspire growth and sustainability in our diverse region. We are committed to building a passionate and inclusive workforce.
We are committed to the value of respect, and we strive to have an inclusive workforce reflective of the diverse populations we serve. We welcome applications from qualified individuals of all ages and genders, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people from culturally diverse backgrounds, the LGBTQIA+ community, veterans and people with disabilities. We partner with the Veterans Employment Program and the NSW Government to implement recruitment practices supporting veterans to pursue a career in local government. Our aim is to help veterans find suitable, sustainable and meaningful employment.
There are options available to request adjustments. If you need adjustments to the recruitment process or have accessibility requirements, please contact for a confidential discussion.
Applications Close: Thursday 9 October 2025 at 11:30pm
Who to Contact: Keren Brown, Principal Strategic Planner on
You must have the right to live and work in Australia to apply for this position.
Guided by staff values of integrity, respect, teamwork, accountability and excellence, Cessnock City Council is an attractive, thriving Council and employer of choice.
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📌 Senior Strategic Planner
🏢 Cessnock City Council
📍 Cessnock City Council