Senior Strategic Planning Officer – Local Government | 6–12-Month Contract
Your new company
An exciting opportunity exists for a highly skilled Senior Strategic Planning Officer to join a collaborative and forward-thinking local government team based in the beautiful FNQ region. Reporting to the Team Leader Planning, you will take a lead role in managing Council’s Planning Scheme, driving strategic land use planning projects, and providing expert planning advice to support sustainable development and long-term organisational goals.
This role suits a confident, capable planning professional who enjoys autonomy, can take ownership of major projects, and can collaborate effectively with internal teams, government agencies, and community stakeholders. The position is primarily office-based to support close working relationships, but short-term flexibility (including WFH days) is available once settled.
Your new role
In this role, you will:
1. Manage and maintain Council’s Planning Scheme and statutory land use planning documents.
2. Lead and deliver strategic land use planning projects, including growth planning, population modelling, environmental planning, and infrastructure planning.
3. Contribute to the Local Government Infrastructure Plan (LGIP) and broader long-term planning frameworks.
4. Partner with internal and external stakeholders on major initiatives such as land supply strategies, community facility planning and master plans for shovel‑ready projects.
5. Provide expert technical planning advice to guide sustainable development and ensure alignment with Council’s long‑term growth and infrastructure objectives.
6. Negotiate and coordinate planning matters with State Government departments, consultants, external agencies, and the community.
7. Prepare high-quality reports, business cases and recommendations for Council and senior leaders.
8. Monitor project progress, assess risks, and ensure timely delivery of strategic planning outcomes.
9. Support policy development and contribute to improving planning processes across the organisation.
10. Represent Council in meetings and community consultations where required.
What you'll need to succeed
To succeed in this role, you will bring:
11. Graduate or postgraduate qualifications in Town Planning or a closely related discipline.
12. Significant experience in strategic land use planning, including master planning or major development assessment.
13. Strong knowledge of land use planning processes, policy development and legislative frameworks in Queensland.
14. Proven high-level skills in report writing, business case development, critical analysis and problem-solving.
15. Excellent stakeholder engagement skills with the ability to navigate complex or sensitive planning matters.
16. Strong capacity for continuous improvement and adaptability within changing environments.
17. Highly developed communication, negotiation and interpersonal skills.
18. Ability to manage workloads, set priorities and meet legislative timeframes.
19. Proficiency in Microsoft Office and the ability to learn corporate systems quickly.
20. Current C Class driver’s licence.
What you'll get in return
In return, you will gain a 6 – 12-month full-time contract with the potential of extension, working for a Local Government Department based in FNQ, paying an attractive hourly rate + Super.
21. Friendly, tight‑knit and supportive working environment.
22. Opportunity to work across a diverse range of strategic projects with real community impact.
23. Access to unique site visits across FNQ region.
24. Strong culture of collaboration, with all new starters introduced across the department.
25. Flexible working options after onboarding (e.g., 1–2 days WFH).
26. Chance to contribute to high‑profile planning scheme and growth planning initiatives.
What you need to do now
If you’re interested in this role, click ‘apply now’ or for more information, please contact Grace Dunn at Hays on 07 4049 2*** or email **********@hays.com.au
#2982445