Statutory Planning Policy

1 hour ago

Melbourne, Victoria, Australia b23b9ed4-6da0-4092-ba83-6dc52a1ad63b Full time $88,000 - $120,000 per year

Statutory Planning Policy & VicSmart Advisor (Contractor)

Organisation:
Cognara Training

Position Title:
Statutory Planning Education & Policy Advisor (Contractor)

Engagement Type:
ABN Contractor / Independent Consultant

Location:
Remote and/or On-site (Victoria)

Commencement:
Negotiable

Duration:
Non-ongoing, temporary engagement

Remuneration:
$88.00 per hour (contractor rate minimum 4 hour engagement flexible hours)

About Cognara Training

Cognara Training provides high-quality education and professional development for planning practitioners, supporting better decision-making through clear, accessible, and accurate training resources. We are seeking an experienced Statutory Planning Education & Policy Advisor (Contractor) to contribute specialist planning knowledge and produce educational materials for a diverse learning audience.

Role Overview

This role provides advanced statutory planning expertise with a focus on the
State Planning Policy Framework (SPPF)
and its interaction with
VicSmart assessment pathways
.

A core responsibility of this temporary, non-ongoing position is the development of
educational content for the use of others
, including guides, case studies, examples, templates, and structured training modules.

The position is ideal for a senior planner who enjoys translating complex planning frameworks into practical, learner-friendly material.

Key Responsibilities

  • Provide expert statutory planning advice with strong emphasis on interpreting and applying the
    State Planning Policy Framework (SPPF)
    and related policy provisions.
  • Analyse the intersection between SPPF objectives and
    VicSmart
    processes, including decision guidelines, limitations, and assessment requirements.
  • Develop high-quality educational materials
    , such as:
  • Written learning modules
  • Explanatory guides
  • Case study assessments
  • Planning templates and example documentation
  • Ensure all content is accurate, accessible, and aligned with current Victorian planning legislation and practice.
  • Prepare planning advice and supporting documents related to zones, overlays, VicSmart classes, local policies, and policy interpretation.
  • Participate in content development meetings, review sessions, and planning discussions as required.
  • Facilitate AI Workflow Guidance

Essential Qualifications & Experience

  • Degree in Urban Planning, Regional Planning, or equivalent.
  • Minimum 5 years' experience in statutory or strategic planning (Victoria preferred).
  • Strong understanding of the
    SPPF
    , local planning policy, and Victorian Planning Provisions.
  • Demonstrated expertise in
    VicSmart
    assessment pathways and decision-making.
  • Proven ability to translate complex planning concepts into clear, structured educational content.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Desirable Experience

  • Experience producing educational or training materials for planning or related disciplines.
  • Prior consultancy or contractor experience.
  • Familiarity with digital planning tools or AI-assisted planning workflows.

Contract Details

  • Hourly rate:
    $88.00 per hour (inclusive of contractor loadings).
  • Engagement:
    Temporary, non-ongoing contractor role.
  • Contractor must hold an ABN and provide their own equipment.
  • Flexible hours and workload based on project needs.
  • Confidentiality and IP licensing and ownership conditions will apply.

How to Apply

Please submit:

  • A one page cover letter outlining relevant planning expertise and your experience producing educational materials.
  • A current CV or capability statement.
  • Examples of previous planning / educational work (with sensitive information removed).

Send applications to:
to

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