Assistant Planner

Job No: WASC569

Location: Coonabarabran

Department: Planning and Regulation

Reports to: Manager Planning and Regulation

Salary Range: $82,394 - $95,755pa + superannuation

Are you passionate about shaping vibrant, sustainable communities through smart and ethical planning?

Do you have a strong grasp of NSW planning legislation and a desire to support growth that balances environmental, social, and economic outcomes?

We are seeking a motivated Assistant Planner to join our dedicated Planning team. This role offers a rare opportunity to work across both development assessment and strategic planning, playing a key part in the delivery of sustainable land use outcomes within our dynamic Council area.

As our Assistant Planner, you'll assist in assessing development applications, providing expert advice to the public and applicants, and ensuring compliance with the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979, local planning controls, and Council policies. You'll also support strategic planning initiatives by contributing research and insights into demographic trends, environmental data, and statutory changes to inform the development of sound planning policy. Working closely with internal teams and external stakeholders, you will be instrumental in ensuring development aligns with the community's expectations while meeting legislative requirements.

This role is ideal for someone who thrives in a fast-paced local government environment and enjoys both technical planning work and engaging with the public. You'll regularly interact with residents, developers, and other stakeholders, delivering clear, professional advice and helping to navigate the often complex world of planning regulations. If you're organised, proactive, and committed to ethical and sustainable planning, this is your chance to make a tangible difference.

To succeed in this role, you'll hold a relevant tertiary qualification in Urban or Town Planning, bring a solid understanding of NSW planning legislation, and have some hands-on experience in development assessment. Experience with tools like the NSW Planning Portal, Civica, and GIS systems will be highly regarded, as will a background in NSW local government. If you're ready to grow your planning career in a collaborative and supportive team while shaping the future of our local area — we'd love to hear from you.

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This position is located in the beautiful town of Coonabarabran, known as the Astronomy Capital of Australia, which is midway between Melbourne and Brisbane and is known for its beautiful landscape and stunning night skies. The town has medical services, excellent schools, a variety of sporting and social clubs and a thriving tourism Industry. With the nearby Warrumbungle National Park, which is also Australia's first Dark Sky Park, there is plenty to do and explore whether you're looking for adventure or relaxation.

Selection criteria include:

Tertiary qualification in Urban Planning, Town Planning, or a related discipline.

Strong knowledge of NSW planning legislation, including the EP&A Act, SEPPs, and local planning controls.

Experience in assessing and determining development applications within a local government or private planning consultancy.

Ability to interpret and apply planning policies, environmental planning instruments, and development guidelines.

Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with attention to detail.

Strong written and verbal communication skills, including report writing and stakeholder engagement.

Demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team environment.

Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines.

Proficiency in using the NSW Planning Portal, Civica – Applications module, GIS systems, and Microsoft Office applications.

It is highly desirable for you to have local government experience within NSW.

Class C driver's licence.

It is a plus if you also have knowledge of heritage, environmental, or urban design principles, experience in strategic planning, policy development, or land use research. It would be great if you have membership (or eligibility for membership) with the Planning Institute of Australia (PIA).

Benefits of working for Council

Council is committed to creating a positive working environment and offer a range of benefits for staff, including

Great leave opportunities

Long service leave after 5 years

1 RDO every 4 weeks

Paid parental and concurrent parental leave

Carer's leave

3 weeks sick leave per year including up to 2 days health and wellbeing leave each year

Purchase additional leave or cash out leave

Deferred leave scheme – eg work three years at 75% of your pay and have the following year off at 75% of your pay

Support for training and professional development

Formal training opportunities

Access to thousands of free online training courses

Weekly pay cycle

Mobile phone allowance available if you bring your own device

Salary Packaging options to maximise your take-home pay

Hybrid work and flexible hours by agreement and subject to role requirements

Wellness – we want you to be at your best self so you and your immediate family members have access to our employee assistance program with TELUS Health One

Free annual flu vaccinations and bi-annual skin cancer checks available

PPE provided

Generous uniform allowance

About Warrumbungle Shire Council

Warrumbungle Shire is strategically positioned on the Newell Highway, a short drive from Tamworth, Mudgee and Dubbo, and just over 3 hours from Newcastle, making Warrumbungle Shire a great place to live and work. Covering an area of more than 12,000km², and with a population of nearly 10,000, Warrumbungle Shire Council is one of the larger Local Government Areas in Central West NSW, home to the townships of Coonabarabran, Coolah, Dunedoo, Binnaway, Baradine and Mendooran.

With a rich history and stunning landscapes including spectacular mountain ranges, waterfalls, ancient sandstone caves, gorges, and beautiful plains, our scenic location amongst friendly country communities provides an ideal setting for those looking to balance a country lifestyle and career.

At Warrumbungle Shire Council we offer a broad variety of jobs with a range of benefits and career development opportunities within Local Government. The guiding principles of honesty, integrity, fairness and compassion form the spirit of the team along with respect, transparency, passion, trust and opportunity is how Warrumbungle Shire Council strengthens its working environment to deliver on the aspirations of our community. Council is proud to be an equal opportunity and child safe employer with a commitment to our staff and our vision is Excellence in Local Government.

You will receive an email acknowledgement to confirm receipt of your application. You will receive email notifications regarding the status of your application. It is important that you regularly check your email to ensure you do not miss any notifications from Council. It is also recommended that you check your spam or junk folder and consider adding to your email address book to ensure you do not miss any correspondence in regard to your application.

Applications close at 11.00 pm Sunday 12 October 2025.

For enquiries, please contact Human Resources on

Applicants should note that Criminal History Checks, as well as alcohol and drug testing, are conditions of employment.