Development Planner

From its beautiful coastlines to its thriving bushland reserves, Sutherland Shire offers unparalleled opportunities in environmental planning.

Be part of our Development Services team as we set new benchmarks in development assessment and customer service.

We are seeking a motivated and innovative Development Planner who will collaborate with a range of stakeholders to drive meaningful change and contribute to impactful projects that will shape the future of the Sutherland Shire.

About Us

At Sutherland Shire Council, we are dedicated to fostering land use and development that balances community needs with environmental and economic factors. Our Planning division is at the heart of this effort, ensuring the region thrives through sustainable and effective planning.

The Development Services team is on an exciting journey to become a leader in development assessment and customer service. We're committed to adding upfront value by providing an advisory service to residents before they submit development applications, ultimately enabling better potential outcomes and high-quality customer service.

As our team grows and adapts to the changing demands of our work, we remain focused on delivering high-quality services. While this work can be challenging, it is also deeply impactful and essential. Our workforce will be agile and responsive, striving to continuously improve both the quality and timeliness of our services.

Your Role

As a Development Planner, you'll assess and manage development applications to ensure they meet statutory requirements and align with local planning policies. You'll also play a key role in pre-lodgement advice, helping applicants shape better proposals from the outset.

You will work alongside Council's Planning Managers and various stakeholders to deliver high-quality development outcomes.

This dynamic role requires a sharp eye for detail, strong project management skills, and the ability to communicate complex information effectively. You will assist with pre-lodgement work, and manage development applications from lodgement through to determination, coordinating input from diverse teams and government authorities. You will also offer expert advice to applicants and residents and may participate in local planning panels and potentially serve as an expert witness in court.

In partnership with the Senior Development Planner, you'll help ensure assessments are efficient, consistent, and support the goals of the Sutherland Shire.

What We're Looking For

We're seeking a flexible and motivated individual who thrives in an evolving environment and enjoys the variety of work that comes with it. You'll be a natural problem solver, capable of identifying both possibilities and constraints. If you're motivated by challenges and take ownership of your deliverables, we want you to join us.

As a Development Planner, you will:

• Tertiary qualification, at degree level, in Urban Planning or related field.
• Have proven experience assisting pre-lodgement, assessing and determining development applications, preferably within a local government context.
• Possess a strong understanding of the Environmental Planning & Assessment Act 1979.
• Exhibit excellent project management skills, coordinating input from diverse professionals.
• Demonstrate outstanding communication abilities, able to simplify complex concepts for various audiences.

We value individuals who are team players, eager to support colleagues in achieving common goals. You'll be receptive to new ideas and innovative approaches, continuously seeking ways to improve the work we do. If you're ready to be part of an agile, responsive team that is committed to making a real impact, we'd love to hear from you.

Join our Team and Grow with Us

If you are ready to take on a challenging and rewarding role that makes a real difference in the community, apply now to join our team at Sutherland Shire Council

• Apply by responding to our online application questions and submitting your resume outlining why we are a great fit
• Get your application in by 11.59pm: Tuesday 30th September 2025.
• Interview date: Interviews will be facilitated within two weeks of advertisement closing.
• Package: From$88,129gross p.a. plus 12% superannuation.
• Hours of work:Permanent, full-time position, 35 hours per week with option of 19-day month with flex-time arrangement.
• To benefit your wellbeing you will have access to fitness passport, corporate membership to our leisure centres, employee assistance program, annual flu shots, health and wellbeing programme and novated lease options.

Suitable candidates are subject to pre-employment screening which includes Reference Checks, Work Rights Verification, Identity and Functional/Medical History Checks (including Covid-19 Vaccination), and may also include a Criminal History, Qualification and Working with Children Check. Employment is subject to clearance of all these checks.

Reach out to Grant Rayner, Development Assessment & Certification Manager,   for any job specific enquiries.

Lucille Kilshaw, Talent Acquisition Business Partner,  can assist with any recruitment related enquiries.

Click on the link to check out the Position Description

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