Planning Officer

Division/Section: Planning Environment and Lifestyle / Planning & Development

Position Type: 2x Positions available. Permanent Full Time & Fixed-Term Full-Time, August 2026 to March 2027 (9 day fortnight, 36.25 hours/week)

Salary Range: LGO4-5 ($86,720 - $99,181 per annum + superannuation) based on skills, qualifications and experience

Location: Townsville

Application Close: 11:45pm, Tuesday 25 August 2026.

About The Role

Join a collaborative planning team where you'll contribute to shaping Townsville's future through a mix of strategic city planning and development assessment work. Working alongside planners and other technical specialists, you'll help deliver sustainable land use outcomes, support planning projects, assess development applications, and engage with a broad range of stakeholders. This is a varied role that offers opportunities for planners at different stages of their careers to develop their skills across multiple planning disciplines while making a meaningful impact on the city's growth and development.

About You

You are a qualified planning professional or working towards building your career in the planning field, with an interest in shaping sustainable and liveable communities. Whether you're an emerging planner or bring more established experience, you'll have a sound understanding of planning principles, strong communication skills, and the ability to build positive relationships with stakeholders while balancing competing priorities.

You enjoy working collaboratively, solving complex problems, and delivering practical outcomes for the community. Experience in development assessment, strategic planning, or local government planning is highly regarded, along with the ability to interpret planning legislation, prepare professional reports, and contribute to a customer-focused team environment.

Townsville City Council is the largest local government authority in Northern Australia. We’re committed to supporting our people through a strong focus on work–life balance, a positive and inclusive culture, and a shared passion for making a meaningful impact in our community.

We have a range of benefits that confirm this commitment:

5 weeks annual leave + 17.5% leave loading 3 weeks Personal/Carers Leave 14 weeks paid Parental Leave Domestic and Family Violence Leave Natural Disaster Leave Annual wage progression Up to *13.5% Superannuation employer contribution for contributing members Salary Sacrifice opportunities Access to a range of learning and development opportunities, including on-the-job learning and formal training programs Fitness Passport program offering discounted membership to selected health and wellbeing facilities Employee Loyalty Program offering discounts at selected local businesses Employee Assistance Program The Council contribution to employees' superannuation for contributing employees shall be 13.5% of the employees' ordinary time earnings subject to the employee contributing a minimum of 6% of their ordinary time earnings.

Contact Person: Cassie

Contact Email: cxc@townsville.qld.gov.au

(for position enquiries only)

How To Apply

Your application can be submitted through the 'Apply' button. Please include a cover letter (maximum 2 pages), outlining how your skills, qualifications and experience would allow you to achieve success in this role. We also will require your resume which should confirm any licences and qualifications your hold.

For Further Information Review The Position Description.

We are committed to creating a safe and inclusive workplace where diverse styles, backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives are valued, encouraged, and respected. People from diverse backgrounds (including but not limited to, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, people with diverse gender identities and sexualities, people from different cultural and linguistic backgrounds, people with disability, and veterans) are encouraged to apply!

All successful candidates are required to undergo drug and alcohol testing as part of the recruitment process. Please be aware Townsville City Council has a ‘zero tolerance’ policy to drugs and alcohol in the workplace.

If you need any adjustments to be made to the recruitment process or if you would like to discuss any accessibility requirements, please contact hr_recruitment@townsville.qld.gov.au or phone 07 4727 9004 for a confidential discussion.

Attachments

Planning Officer_PD.pdf