Strategic Planner

Join Mackay Regional Council as a Strategic Planner! Work with a dynamic and multi-disciplinary team at council to shape the region's future through strategic land use planning and growth management.

About this opportunity:

In the role, you will contribute toward the delivery of innovative, forward-thinking, and evidence-based town planning solutions that ensures communities in the region are sustainable, vibrant, liveable and resilient. Be part of a collaborative Strategic Planning team focussed on planning scheme development, urban growth management, and sustainability.

• Advance your town planning career with council and contribute to strategic planning outcomes that shape sustainable, vibrant, liveable and resilient communities across the Mackay region.
  

• Collaborate with a multi-disciplinary team of planners and engineers within council and contribute to the development and implementation of the region's planning scheme and planning related policies.
  

• Contribute to long-term planning and sustainable development for the Mackay region.
  

• Engage with stakeholders and the community to ensure strategic land use solutions meet community needs and regulatory requirements.
  

Essential Qualifications, Experience & Skills:

• Tertiary qualifications in Urban and Regional Planning or a related discipline.
  

• Demonstrated experience in strategic land use planning, development assessment (statutory planning) or policy / strategy development or delivery.
  

• Understanding of the state and local government planning frameworks and processes.
  

• Excellent communication and teamwork skills.
  

• Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines effectively.
  

Why work for Mackay Regional Council?

Mackay Regional Council is a dynamic, progressive and financially sound local government. We have responsibility for $3.5 billion worth of assets and employ almost 1200 dedicated staff in a vibrant, rapidly growing region. Council's purpose is to create opportunity to thrive and its vision for Mackay is to become the best region for liveability and livelihood.

Mackay, uniquely positioned in the Greater Whitsunday Region and halfway between Brisbane and Cairns, covers 7,622 square kilometres and is home to 130,000 people. The Region boasts a strong diverse economy based on sugar, mining, beef, tourism and retail, and offers an idyllic lifestyle on the Queensland coast, from golden sandy beaches, nearby tropical island resorts and proximity to the Great Barrier Reef to pristine waterways and hinterland rainforests. The Region has a great climate coupled with high quality education, sporting and health facilities and regional services.

In addition to the above, we also offer the following benefits:

• Base annual salary of $91,166.17 - $99,911.99
  

• Up to 18% superannuation (conditions apply).
  

• Choice of 4 or 5 weeks' annual leave with 17.5% leave loading.
  

• Flexible work arrangements including remote work may be available for the right candidate with a 9 day fortnight roster
  

• May be eligible for salary sacrificing options.
  

• Membership to lifestyle benefits program including corporate discounts.
  

• Study and assistance programs for career development.
  

• Learning and career development opportunities.
  

• Employee Assistance Program.
  

• Employee health and wellbeing initiatives including Fitness Passport.
  

• Active Social Clubs.
  

Want to know more about this role?

View the Position Description (PD) for this role in the document attachments.

How to apply:

Prepare and submit your cover letter and resume, outlining your relevant experience for this role based on the role requirements identified in the PD. If applying for this job via a 3rd party job board such as SEEK, LinkedIn etc. you will be redirected to the Mackay Regional Council Careers (eRecruit) website to apply. Follow the prompts to submit your application (the eRecruit Job Application Quick Reference Guide or the eRecruit Job Applicant Guide can assist).

After submitting, you will receive an automated confirmation email. Should you not receive this, please ensure you have submitted your application and your email address on your account is correct.

Applications Close: 26 March 2026

Having troubles submitting your application?

Reach out to one of our friendly Recruitment Officers by phoning 1300 MACKAY (1300 622 529).

***Important information for applicants:

To be considered for this position, all candidates must have the appropriate working rights for Australia. Your Australian work rights will be verified during the recruitment process.

Applicants who progress beyond the interview stage will be required to undergo a pre-employment process, which includes comprehensive Pre-Employment Medical Assessments (inclusive of Drug and Alcohol testing).

We are an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer, where all applicants are treated fairly and respectfully and have equal access to all available opportunities. At Mackay Regional Council, diversity is about creating a respectful and inclusive workplace that recognises our employees' unique contributions and perspectives, working together to deliver extraordinary results.