Shape the Future of Livingstone Through Better Planning
Livingstone Shire Council is committed to building sustainable, well‑planned and resilient communities. As a Planning Officer, you will play a key role in delivering high‑quality development assessment and planning outcomes that help shape the future of our region.
If you enjoy applying planning legislation to real‑world scenarios, solving complex development issues, and working collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders, this role offers an excellent opportunity to grow your planning career in a supportive team environment.
Why this role matters
Development assessment is at the core of shaping our Shire’s neighbourhoods, environment and long‑term growth.
In this role, you will ensure that development across the region is compliant, defensible, aligned with planning legislation, and reflective of Council’s strategic direction. You will provide professional, timely and customer‑focused planning services to applicants, community members, internal staff and external agencies.
About Us
Livingstone Shire sits along the stunning Capricorn Coast, covering 11,776 square kilometres and home to nearly 43,000 residents. Since its formation in 2013, Council has grown into a values-driven organisation with around 400 staff committed to delivering for our community. Our region is known for its relaxed coastal lifestyle, pristine beaches, lush rainforests, and vibrant community spirit. It’s a place where connection matters, and where nature and opportunity live side by side.
Council’s culture is built on Accountability, Teamwork, Community, Potential, and Positivity; values that guide how we work and how we lead.
Our vision is to be A prosperous region for families, business, and future generations. We are committed to creating a vibrant, resilient, and inclusive community where people thrive, nature is protected, and innovation drives progress.
Our work is guided by four strategic pillars:
- Growth to Fund Service Delivery - Strategic investments and development to create sustainable revenue streams that support quality community services.
- Services That Meet Customer Expectations - Responsive, accessible and high-quality services that address the evolving needs of residents and businesses.
- Efficiency in Delivery - Streamlined processes, elimination of red tape, and smart resource allocation to maximise value for ratepayers and opportunity for Business diversity and growth.
- Protecting Our Natural Resources - Creating opportunity to protect and value Livingstone’s natural resources for future generations, whilst encouraging sustainable consumption of resources across our region.
What you will doing:
No two days are the same — you will work across assessments, site inspections, stakeholder engagement and compliance. You will:
- Administer and apply Council’s planning schemes and relevant legislation, providing clear and accurate advice to stakeholders.
- Assess, coordinate and review development applications, including undertaking site inspections and preparing well‑reasoned, defensible planning recommendations.
- Prepare high‑quality planning reports and documentation to support internal and Council decision‑makers.
- Monitor and enforce compliance with development approvals, legislation and planning scheme requirements.
- Engage and negotiate with applicants, consultants, and community members to resolve issues and support improved development outcomes.
- Collaborate with internal departments and technical specialists to ensure coordinated planning outcomes.
- Contribute positively to team culture by demonstrating professionalism, sound judgement and Council’s values.
What you will bring:
You are someone who can interpret planning legislation, analyse development proposals and communicate clearly with a diverse range of stakeholders. You will bring:
- Strong knowledge of Queensland planning legislation, planning scheme operation and Council development policies.
- Experience in development assessment, including preparing accurate, defensible reports.
- High level written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to explain complex planning matters clearly.
- Well developed negotiation, mediation and conflict resolution skills.
- Strong organisational and time management skills with the ability to manage competing priorities.
- Digital capability, including GIS, records management systems and Microsoft Office.
Mandatory Requirements
- Tertiary qualifications (in a relevant urban and regional or town planning field) or a Diploma in Local Government (Planning) and/or substantial work experience relevant to the position
- Possess and maintain a current motor vehicle driver licence.
Desirable
- Experience in a local government development assessment environment.
- Eligibility for membership of the Planning Institute of Australia.