Senior Strategic Planner

The Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Authority is responsible for protecting and managing one of Australia’s most iconic coastal landscapes. We care for parks, reserves and marine environments along the Great Ocean Road, including internationally recognised visitor sites. Working closely with Traditional Owners, communities and stakeholders, we protect environmental, cultural and heritage values while supporting sustainable visitation and long‑term conservation.

The Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Authority (GORCAPA) is seeking an experienced and motivated Senior Strategic Planner to help shape the future of one of Australia's most significant coastal and environmental regions.

Working closely with the Strategic Planning Coordinator and Planning Manager, you will lead and support a diverse portfolio of strategic planning initiatives, including precinct plans, site-based planning, place-making projects and trail network development across the Authority's estate.

This is an exciting opportunity to influence the sustainable use, management and development of coastal and public land while working alongside Traditional Owners, government agencies, communities and industry stakeholders to deliver meaningful outcomes for the region.

What you'll do

As Senior Strategic Planner, you will:

• Lead the preparation and implementation of precinct plans, site-based plans, masterplans and other strategic planning projects.
• Provide expert planning and development advice to support informed decision-making across the Authority.
• Coordinate organisational input into plans and projects led by partner agencies and stakeholders.
• Lead the planning, design and development of new and existing trail networks in line with regional strategic priorities.
• Support evidence-based planning through data collection, monitoring and reporting of trail and infrastructure use.
• Manage consultants and project delivery, including procurement, contracts, budgets and reporting.
• Prepare high-quality briefs, reports and recommendations on planning matters, risks and opportunities.
• Facilitate community engagement and consultation activities to support planning outcomes.
• Build strong relationships with Traditional Owners, government agencies, community groups and other stakeholders.
• Ensure planning projects align with legislative, environmental, cultural and organisational requirements.

What we're looking for

To be successful in this role, you will bring:

• A tertiary qualification in environmental planning, urban planning, coastal planning and management, landscape architecture, recreation planning, or a related discipline.
• Demonstrated experience in strategic planning, public land planning, trail planning, statutory planning or a related field.
• Experience preparing precinct plans, masterplans, site-based plans or similar planning documents.
• Strong project management skills, including consultant and contractor management.
• Experience working with diverse stakeholders and delivering effective community engagement.
• Knowledge of relevant planning and coastal management legislation and policy frameworks.
• Well-developed analytical, problem-solving and decision-making skills.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
• The ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver outcomes within agreed timelines.
• A collaborative and proactive approach that contributes positively to team culture and organisational objectives.

Why join us?

At GORCAPA, you'll have the unique opportunity to contribute to the protection and sustainable management of one of Victoria's most iconic landscapes.

We offer:

• Meaningful work that delivers lasting environmental, community and cultural outcomes.
• The opportunity to influence high-profile planning and trail projects across the Great Ocean Road region.
• A collaborative and supportive team environment.
• Strong partnerships with Traditional Owners, local communities and government stakeholders.
• Professional development and opportunities to broaden your expertise across strategic planning, place-making and public land management.
• A stunning coastal location in Torquay and the chance to work in one of Australia's most spectacular natural environments.

Join us and help shape the future of the Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks for generations to come.

Everyone is welcome at the Authority

Here at the Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Authority we are committed to creating a workforce that is diverse and is inclusive of all. We value and embrace the various experiences and perspectives people may have, regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, religion, cultural background, disability, or sexual orientation. 

We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the lands on which we work and live and all First Nations peoples, and we pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Applications close 11.59pm, Wednesday, 19th August 2026.