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- Tasks: Lead strategic planning initiatives and engage with the community to enhance local development.
- Company: Join Surf Coast Shire Council, a vibrant community-focused organisation.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible work arrangements, career development, and a supportive workplace culture.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in your community while growing your professional skills.
- Qualifications: Tertiary qualification in land use planning and experience in strategic planning required.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive environment with numerous social activities and wellbeing programs.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 90000 ÂŁ per year.
Location: Head Office - Civic Building, Torquay
Job Category: Community Services & Development, Construction, Other
Permanent Full Time
$111,811– $123,329 pa (plus 12% super and annual pay increases)
Flexible working arrangements available including flexitime, WFH and RDOs
Who we are
There are not many places in Australia quite like Surf Coast Shire, where you can surf at world‑class locations like Bells Beach Djarrak, drive along the scenic coast on the Great Ocean Road, or explore the many waterfalls set in tranquil rainforests. Spanning the Traditional Lands of the Wadawurrung People and the Gulidjan and Gadabanud Peoples of the Eastern Maar Nation, the shire delivers services from Lorne to Winchelsea to Torquay and all of the communities in‑between, helping to make the region a destination to live, work and play. Surf Coast Shire Council is proud to help its community and environment to thrive. We work together, we see opportunity, we do what we say, and we make a difference.
Job Description
Your new career: Join an experienced and passionate team of Placemaking champions. The Integrated Planning Department is highly regarded for its approach to major project work, leading with a best practice and ever-evolving approach to genuine community engagement. This position is primarily focused on the delivery of planning services to customers including the development of strategic plans and planning scheme amendments. The breadth of opportunities provides flexibility for professional growth, interest and challenges in a dynamic learning environment.
What you will bring to the role
You are a collaborative and motivated professional who values being part of a high‑performing team and takes pride in contributing to outcomes that support our community. You bring a thoughtful and organised approach to your work, managing competing priorities with confidence. To thrive in this role, you will have:
- A strong commitment to fostering a positive, inclusive team culture and working collaboratively
- Experience contributing to planning scheme amendments or strategic planning initiatives
- Well‑developed time management and prioritisation skills, with the ability to meet deadlines under pressure
- Experience applying project management principles to strategic planning projects to achieve clear outcomes
Key selection criteria
Mandatory qualifications, experience and requirements:
- A tertiary qualification in land use planning or related discipline (qualification check conducted).
- Demonstrated experience in strategic land use planning and policy development.
- A pragmatic problem solver and facilitator able to navigate complex strategic land use planning matters with a diverse range of stakeholders.
- Well‑developed relationship management and communication skills and the ability to communicate effectively with members of the public, Councillors and staff.
- Experience in applying a project management approach to strategic planning projects.
- A strong appreciation of the Surf Coast Shire Context.
- A current Working With Children Check.
- You have the permanent right to live and work in Australia.
- Police Check results that are suitable for this position (will be arranged by Surf Coast Shire Council). A complete international criminal history check is required if the person has worked or lived overseas for any period of time OR a complete national criminal history check is required if the person has only ever worked in Australia.
What you’ll love working with us
Council embraces diversity and social inclusion and encourages applications from skilled people from all walks of life. We recognise that our employees play a vital role in creating an innovative, safe, respectful and supportive workplace, living our values and delivering exceptional services to our thriving community. Council is committed to providing a workplace culture of equity, inclusion and diversity that eliminates all forms of discrimination, harassment and bullying. There are numerous social activities throughout the year available as well as the benefits of:
- Flexible working arrangements including working from home and flexi time options, RDOs
- Employee Assistance Program and award‑winning staff wellbeing program
- Career development and learning opportunities, we help our people grow
- Purchase of additional annual leave
- Free onsite parking
- Leave loading.
For more information
You’ll find further details about the role, including accountabilities and key selection criteria, in the Position Description on our website.
How to apply
Cover letter including your statement addressing the selection criteria and a copy of your resume. Please note that only applications with a statement addressing the selection criteria will be considered for this position. Simply complete the application process by clicking the "Apply Now" button and we will be in touch with you shortly regarding your application. Applications close at 11.59pm Sunday 1 March 2026.
Surf Coast Shire Council is an equal opportunity and child safe employer.
Principal Strategic Planner in Torquay employer: Surfcoast
Contact Detail:
Surfcoast Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Strategic Planner in Torquay
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend local events, and connect with professionals on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the Surf Coast Shire Council and its community initiatives. Show them you’re not just another candidate; demonstrate your passion for their mission and how you can contribute to their goals.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your responses to common interview questions, but keep it natural. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers and highlight your experience in strategic planning and project management.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the Surf Coast Shire team and ready to make a difference.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Strategic Planner in Torquay
Some tips for your application 🫡
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Make sure to highlight your passion for community services and how your experience aligns with the role. We want to see your personality come through, so don’t hold back!
Address the Selection Criteria: This is super important! Take the time to carefully address each selection criterion in your application. We’re looking for specific examples of your experience in strategic planning and project management, so be clear and concise.
Tailor Your Resume: Don’t just send a generic resume! Tailor it to showcase your relevant skills and experiences that match the job description. Highlight your achievements in land use planning and any collaborative projects you’ve been part of.
Apply Through Our Website: Make sure to apply through our website by clicking the 'Apply Now' button. It’s the easiest way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from us!
How to prepare for a job interview at Surfcoast
✨Know Your Community
Before the interview, take some time to research Surf Coast Shire and its unique community. Understand the local issues, culture, and values. This will help you demonstrate your commitment to fostering a positive, inclusive team culture and show that you genuinely care about the community you'll be serving.
✨Showcase Your Strategic Planning Skills
Be prepared to discuss your experience in strategic land use planning and policy development. Bring specific examples of past projects where you applied project management principles to achieve clear outcomes. This will highlight your ability to navigate complex planning matters effectively.
✨Communicate Effectively
Since the role requires well-developed relationship management and communication skills, practice articulating your thoughts clearly. Think about how you can convey complex ideas simply, especially when discussing your experience with diverse stakeholders, including Councillors and the public.
✨Address the Selection Criteria
Make sure your cover letter directly addresses the key selection criteria outlined in the job description. Tailor your responses to reflect your qualifications and experiences that align with what Surf Coast Shire is looking for. This shows that you’ve done your homework and are genuinely interested in the position.
