Principal Planner

Permanent, Full-Time | $118,566.89 - $137,374.71 + 12% superannuation | Hurstville

A fantastic opportunity has become available for a Principal Planner to join our vibrant and essential Development and Building team within the Environment and Planning Directorate at Georges River Council, based in Hurstville.

About The Role

The purpose of the Principal Planner role is to assist the Development and Building section staff in their roles towards appropriate development outcomes in terms of the natural, built, social and economic environment in terms of the overarching public interest in the Georges River Council area.

- Supporting the team Coordinator to identify, develop and propose business process and procedural improvements to achieve statutory compliance with all relevant laws and to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the Directorate
- Under the direction of the Coordinator Development Assessment, guide team members within the area of specialty to assist with the team’s ability to ensure work and performance is clear, concise, accurate and efficient
- Contribute to ongoing assessment systems and process improvement
- Undertake activities associated with Court Appeals and the assessment of Major Development Applications, Modifications to Consent and Reviews within the Development and Building Section of Council

What We Offer

- Permanent, Full time - 70 hours per fortnight
- Salary from $118,566.89 - $137,374.71 per annum plus 12% superannuation
- Leaseback vehicle or Car Allowance
- Hybrid working arrangements, and flexible start and finish times
- 9-day fortnight subject to operational requirements
- Health and Wellbeing paid leave
- Fitness Passport Program offering discounted membership for you and your family to selected facilities
- Employee Assistance Program
- Salary Packaging Options
- Sponsored Study Program
- Parental Leave and Support
- EmployeeRewards Program

What We Are Looking For

- Tertiary qualifications in Town Planning or equivalent as the minimum requirement
- Current Class C NSW Driver’s licence
- SafeWork NSW Construction Induction Card (White Card) or equivalent
- Functional understanding of NSW Land and Environment Court Practices and Procedures with respect to Development Applications
- Experience in being an expert witness and preparing court related documentation
- Excellent understanding of NSW Local Government and the social, political, legal and regulatory frameworks in which it operates
- Excellent knowledge of Environmental Planning and Assessment Act, Local Government Act and related planning legislation and concepts as they relate to development assessment
- Strong interpersonal communication, collaboration, and stakeholder management skills including negotiation, mediation, facilitation skills
- Strong Customer Service focus
- Excellent time management and organisational skills
- Experience in preparing reports for senior management regarding development issues
- Problem solving approach when dealing with complex development issues
- Ability to work in a fast paced, outcomes driven environment and contribute to the team positively

If you have made a positive commitment to further your career and you possess the attributes located in the Position Description essential criteria, then please submit your application today. Applicants are asked to ensure that they provide responses to the targeted questions, failure to do so may result in your application not being considered.

If you would like further information on this role, please contact Kristy Griffiths, Manager Development and Building on 02 9330 9431.

Applications must be completed and submitted via our website. Closing Date: Friday 31 October 2025 at 11.59 PM AEST

Offers of employment at Georges River Council are contingent upon satisfactory results of a thorough background check.

Georges River Council is a progressive, people-focused organisation with 600 dedicated staff delivering exceptional services to our diverse and vibrant community. Our vision is to be 'naturally connected to place, community, and Country'. We are committed to creating accessible green, and liveable spaces, nurturing creativity, protecting the natural environment, and building a thriving local economy.

We foster our values of Accountability, Professionalism, Unity and Honesty and take pride in promoting the image of Council in the community.

We are committed to building a workplace culture that values diversity and inclusion, and welcome applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, workers of all ages, people with disabilities, people who identify as LGBTQIA+ and those from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.

At Georges River Council we are committed to putting children first and championing child safety within our community. We actively advocate for the rights of children and young people and will uphold our commitment as a child safe organisation.

Please note you must be an Australian or New Zealand citizen or a permanent resident or have unlimited working rights (with no Visa restrictions) to apply for this position.

Apply Now

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