Principal Development Planner

Principal Development Planner - Development Assessment Leadership
Mackay, QLD | Full-time | 9-day fortnight | Hybrid options available | Relocation support
 
Mackay Regional Council is seeking an experienced statutory planning professional to lead complex development assessment and strengthen capability across an established planning team. This is a hands-on leadership role with real influence on how one of Queensland’s most important regional economies grows—balancing development outcomes, community expectations and long-term sustainability.
 
The opportunity
Reporting into the Planning, Growth and Sustainability function, you’ll provide technical direction across development assessment, support consistent and defensible decision-making, and coach planners through complex and regionally significant matters.
Whether you’re currently in local government or consulting, you’ll be someone known for sound planning judgement, strong stakeholder management, and the ability to guide others through high-risk or high-profile assessments.
 
Benefits:

• 9-day fortnight

• Flexible working arrangements and hybrid options

• Relocation assistance up to $10,000 (conditions apply)

• Annual leave loading

• Study assistance and ongoing professional development

• Wellbeing and support programs
  Key responsibilities:

• Lead, mentor and develop a team of planning professionals

  • Oversee and guide the assessment of complex and regionally significant development applications
  • Review assessments and correspondence to ensure quality, consistency and legislative compliance
  • Provide expert advice to internal stakeholders, applicants and external parties
  • Act as the escalation point for complex and high-risk planning matters
  • Build strong working relationships with developers, consultants, government agencies and the community
  • Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives and service delivery outcomes
  • Promote a collaborative, accountable, high-performing culture

What you’ll bring (essential):

• Tertiary qualification in Urban and Regional Planning (or related discipline)
• Strong experience in statutory planning and development assessment (Queensland context)
• Demonstrated leadership capability (people leadership, mentoring and/or team development)
• High-level written communication and analytical/report writing skills
• Sound judgement and the ability to deliver practical, defensible planning outcomes
• Current Queensland C Class Driver Licence

Desirable:

• Local government planning experience
• Eligibility for membership with the Planning Institute of Australia
• Leadership/management qualification

How to apply:
Click Apply and submit:

• Your CV
• A cover letter (max 1 page) outlining: Your interest in the role, experience leading or mentoring other planner and examples of complex development assessment matters you have managed

For a confidential discussion, contact:
Anna Dziopa | Principal Consultant, Chandler Macleod
(07) 2140 6649 2140 6649) | [email protected]

Applications close: Friday 9 October 2026, 11:59pm AEST