Principal Strategic Infrastructure Planner

Full Time | 9 Day Fortnight | 36 hoursFrom $121,839.00 plus superannuationPosition Brief - Principal Strategic Infrastructure Planner

About The Team

You’ll be part of a team driving the next phase of strategic infrastructure planning—building on strong foundations and turning them into real, on-the-ground outcomes for the city. Through the Open Space Strategic Plan, we’re shaping a connected, resilient and high-quality greenspace network that enhances liveability, supports biodiversity and responds to the needs of our growing community.

About The Role

As the Principal Strategic Infrastructure Planner, you will lead and influence the strategic planning of open space and community infrastructure across the City. This role integrates policy development, stakeholder engagement and land acquisition to deliver sustainable infrastructure outcomes that support current and future community needs.

You will provide high-level expertise to guide complex planning decisions, drive improvements to planning frameworks, and ensure infrastructure planning responds effectively to population growth and development pressures.

Please refer to the Position Brief for more information on this position.

We’re Looking For People Who Have

C Class Drivers Licence (Unrestricted) (Mandatory)Bachelor of Town Planning / Project Management or relevant equivalent knowledge and experienceExtensive experience in strategic infrastructure planning, including open space and community infrastructure within a complex urban environment. Demonstrated expertise in planning legislation and policy, including City Plan 2016, LGIP, Planning Act 2016 and State Planning Policy.

Proven ability to lead and influence senior stakeholders, including Executive Management, Councillors, consultants and government agencies. Advanced analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to assess complex development scenarios and deliver balanced, practical outcomes.Strong project and program management capability, with a track record of delivering complex initiatives within timeframes. Highly developed written and verbal communication skills, including preparation of executive-level reports and strategic advice.

Ability to exercise sound judgement, initiative and professionalism in a high-pressure, politically sensitive environment. Demonstrated ability to build strong relationships and negotiate outcomes across diverse stakeholder groups.

Be part of shaping the Gold Coast’s future

The Gold Coast is inspired by lifestyle and driven by opportunity. We are the second largest Council in Australia.

Benefits

We care about being the most flexible government organisation in Australia. We have a range of benefits to help you create the right balance:

9-day fortnight

Flexible work arrangements to suit your lifestyle, including hybrid/work from home options, flexible working hours and locations

Personal and professional development courses

Access to 350+ fitness facilities through Fitness Passport4 free confidential counselling sessions a year for you or an immediate family member1 free nutritionist and financial advice session per year

We pride ourselves on our shared mission of being a high-performing, customer-focused organisation which delivers value-for-money services to the community.

How To Apply

To submit your application, please click apply now and complete the application form. You will be required to upload your resume and a cover letter (no more than two pages) outlining how your skills, experience and personal attributes will enable you to be successful in this role. Please note that you may also be asked to provide relevant qualifications, where applicable.

Contact Person  Alexandra McNulty 

Contact Email  ********@goldcoast.qld.gov.au

Closing Date  Sunday, 26 July 2026 at 11:59pm AEDT  

Our selection process may include a one-way video interview via Criteria, a face-to-face or virtual interview via Microsoft Teams, reference checks via Xref and additional checks including police checks, employment history checks, qualification checks, pre-employment medical reviews and drug and alcohol testing.

We’re committed to creating a diverse workplace and inclusive culture. We take pride in people who align with our high-performance principles. We believe that the diverse makeup of our workforce reflects the community we serve. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, experiences and identities, and encourage candidates to discuss any support or adjustments they may need throughout the recruitment process.