Senior Planning Appeals Advisor

OverviewSenior Planning Appeals Advisor at Blacktown City Council.
Blacktown City is a growing and thriving city located halfway between Sydney City and the Blue Mountains.
With 450,000 residents, it is the largest and most diverse city in NSW, spread across 54 suburbs.
The city is vibrant, dynamic and multicultural, home to a large First Nations community and people from more than 180 birthplaces and languages.
The regional economy is $24.8 billion with about 35,000 businesses.
Working at Blacktown City Council provides opportunities as we transform Blacktown City and Western Sydney toward a modern city with opportunities for residents and businesses.Blacktown City Council strives to be an inclusive workplace and welcomes applications from all ages and genders, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people from culturally diverse backgrounds, the LGBTIQ+ community, veterans and people with disabilities.About the opportunityThis is a permanent, full-time opportunity for a passionate senior-level planner.
In this role you will contribute knowledge and strategic acumen as you act as an advisor to the Corporate Counsel team.
You will learn from our in-house legal experts—the Executive Corporate Counsel, Senior Lawyer and Manager of Planning—and you will liaise with external firms, developers and engineers to support community interests and meet smart planning objectives for our city.
You will often act as the key planning expert on appeals, review Class 1 appeals, gather data, analyse plans and DA submissions, prepare SOFACs, attend Section 34 conferences and support our lawyers and external firms in the Land and Environment Court.The preferred candidate willEnsure planning matters are correctly and appropriately assessed in relation to compliance with relevant controlsPrepare documents including those to be filed in Court on behalf of CouncilMake recommendations on amendments to systems, processes and workflow to accommodate the needs of internal and external stakeholdersManage and coordinate the work of consultants (e.g. Town Planners, Environmental specialists) to ensure the effective defence of appealsEnsure processes are implemented correctly and in a timely manner using Council's business process management systemEnsure all stakeholders are appropriately consultedEssential qualifications and experienceDegree qualifications in Town Planning or a related fieldExtensive experience in planning-related mattersCurrent class C driver's licenceDesirableSuperior level of knowledge of applicable legislation/regulationsHigh level knowledge of New South Wales (NSW) Planning Legislation and related policiesHigh level understanding of the processes and procedures of the NSW Land and Environment CourtDemonstrated commitment to customer serviceAbility to work within a team environmentRemuneration and benefitsThe salary and conditions of employment are in accordance with Blacktown City Council's Enterprise Agreement.Entry level for this position starts at $2,252.09 per week35-hour working weekCar allowanceOpportunity to participate in Council's flextime arrangementEmployee benefits such as leave entitlements (where applicable), 12% employer contribution payable to your nominated superannuation fund, Fitness Passport, gym membership discounts, and social clubsOur commitment to safetyBlacktown City Council is committed to safety.
We have introduced alcohol and other drug testing at the pre-employment phase, and via a series of random and cause testing.
We are a child-safe organisation that supports and promotes the safety, wellbeing and empowerment of children.Position descriptionClick here to view or download the position description.Apply nowApply using our fast and easy online application process:Have your resume and any other relevant documentation ready to attachHave a personal email address ready to use and complete your application without logging out of the systemReview the questions and decide on your responses before commencing your applicationBest of luck.Closing date: Friday 12 September 2025, 11:59 pmContact officer: Boris Koytz on 9839 6000Internal ref: BCC559
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