Planning Enquiries Officer

Become a Part of Moira Shire Council's Exciting Journey

At Moira Shire Council, we're reimagining local government with fresh ideas, a friendly approach, and a passion for making a real difference in our vibrant regional community. Nestled along the stunning Murray River, our region spans from the lush Barmah Forest to lively towns like Cobram, Numurkah, Nathalia, and Yarrawonga—one of Victoria's top holiday spots.

We believe in working together with honesty, respect, integrity, teamwork, and accountability to create a future everyone can be proud of.

Our role as a Council? To serve, support, and inspire our communities to facilitate the success of the Moira2045 Community Vision.

Why Work With Us?

• The primary purpose to truly make a difference locally.
• A strong, values based organisational culture.
• Supportive and family-friendly workplace.
• Flexible work arrangements to suit your lifestyle. Opportunities to Work From Home are only available after the first 6 months, and for certain roles identified as being able to accommodate this. Applications are to be made in line with our organisational policy.
• In-house, custom designed Leadership Development Program.
• Access to extensive training and education opportunities.
• Superannuation information sessions with Vision Super.
• Salary packaging and novated leases.
• Access to wellness initiatives like annual flu shots and skin checks.
• Corporate gym discounts at five different gyms across our shire.
• Benefits and discounts for certain businesses and insurances.
• Generous parental leave (16 weeks for primary carers, 6 weeks for secondary carers, and this is on top of the paid parental leave offered by the government).
• Up to two days paid volunteer leave for a community service within our shire. Following the first 12 months of service.
• Cultural and ceremonial leave.
• Opportunities for purchased leave to better accommodate your lifestyle.
• So much more.....

Please note all benefits are considered individually for roles on a pro-rata basis. Temporary and part-time roles may not be eligible for all inclusions.

Moira Shire Council is an Equal Opportunity Employer offering flexible work arrangements for employees in a family-friendly work place.

Moira promotes a workplace that actively seeks to include, welcome and value the contributions of all people and encourages people with a disability, Aboriginal Australians, young people and people from culturally diverse backgrounds to apply.

Role Purpose and Objectives

The Planning Department responsibly assesses planning permit applications, provides advice on development issues and effectively communicates processes, decisions and outcomes to community stakeholders.

The Planning Enquiries Officer acts as the initial point of contact with customers in relation to planning permit enquiries. The Planning Enquiries Officer provides general development advice to internal and external customers, ensuring technically accurate information is provided to customers to deliver on the Business Unit's strategic and operational objectives.

The role assists and supports team members by:

• Providing information and advice to enquiries and pre-lodgement requests relating to planning and development.
• Being able to interpret and provide advice on the Victorian planning system, including the Planning and Environment Act 1987, Subdivision Act 1988, The Victorian Planning Provisions, the Moira Planning Scheme and VCAT processes.
• Being able to advise stakeholders on where to find information, systems and planning controls on both Council and State Government webpages.
• Building and maintaining productive relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Undertaking preliminary reviews of applications and processing minor applications.
• Being proactive in developing and maintaining a continuous improvement culture of all processes, systems and activities for improved customer service, efficiency and effectiveness in service delivery.
• The provision of efficient and effective administrative services and support to the Planning Department to satisfy Council and the community, and ensure that all statutory obligations are met.
• By assisting the team to achieve organisational objectives through the provision of administrative support duties.
• The enhancement of the image of the Council to both internal and external customers.

This role is being offered as a Band 5 or Band 6, commensurate with experience and qualifications.

If the successful applicant commences at a Band 5, opportunities and requirements to progress to a Band 6 will be made clear to allow for this position to grow with the successful applicant.

For more information about the role view the Position Description HERE (if Hyperlink is not working, click "Apply" to view it)

To Apply for this role, please include a cover letter addressing the following Key Selection Criteria:

• Relevant knowledge and experience in and understanding of Town Planning in regional context.
• Degree or Diploma and at least two years' relevant experience.
• Current drivers licence.
• Strong level of computer skills in word processing, spreadsheet and database management.
• Experience in and knowledge of the assessment of rural, urban, commercial and industrial development planning applications, including subdivisions.

Essential qualifications and experience – Band 5

• Relevant knowledge in, and understanding of Town Planning in regional context.
• Completion of Degree or Diploma or working towards completion of a Degree or Diploma, with no or minimal relevant experience.
• Current drivers licence.
• Strong level of computer kills in word processing, spreadsheet and database management.