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Challenge the Ordinary. Build a Legacy.

Requisition Number: 1186

Salary Range: $122,578.71 - $153,700.84 per annum

Position Type: Full Time Permanent

Location: Council Chambers, 119 – 145 Spence Street, Cairns

Application Close Date: Sunday, 12 July 2026 at 11.30pm AEST

Are you an inspiring leader who is passionate about people, culture and delivering great development outcomes?

Do you want to play a key role in shaping one of Australia's fastest growing regional communities while leading a high-performing team through a period of exciting transformation and growth?

Cairns Regional Council has a rare and exciting opportunity for a Coordinator Development Services (Planning) to join our Development & Planning Branch!

This is more than a technical planning role. It is an opportunity to lead, mentor and empower a talented team of planning professionals, foster a positive and high-performing culture, and influence the future growth and development of the Cairns region.

What You Will Do:

Reporting to the Executive Manager Development & Planning, this senior leadership role is responsible for leading Council's Development Assessment Planning team, together with a number of specialist planning, infrastructure and project coordination functions. Working alongside the Coordinator Development Services (Engineering), the role provides both operational and strategic leadership across a diverse planning portfolio.

The successful applicant will play a critical role in driving a culture of collaboration, accountability and continuous improvement, while ensuring high-quality and timely development assessment outcomes.

Key Focus Areas Include:

- Providing leadership, direction and support to a team of planning professionals, with a strong focus on engagement, wellbeing,



development and performance.
- Creating and maintaining a positive, inclusive and customer-focused team culture where people can thrive.
- Managing the assessment and determination of a diverse portfolio of development applications and planning matters.
- Providing strategic planning and development advice to Councillors, Executive Leadership Team members, industry stakeholders and the community.
- Building strong and effective relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including developers, consultants, government agencies, elected members and community groups.
- Driving continuous improvement initiatives that enhance customer experience, service delivery and organisational outcomes.
- Contributing to the broader leadership of the Development & Planning Branch and supporting the delivery of strategic organisational priorities.

What We Are Looking For

We are seeking a contemporary and people-focused leader who combines technical planning expertise with a genuine passion for developing others and building strong teams.

You Will Bring:

- A relevant tertiary qualification in Town Planning, Urban and Regional Planning or a related discipline.
- Demonstrated leadership experience within development assessment, statutory planning or a related development environment.
- A robust commitment to fostering positive workplace culture,



employee engagement and professional development.
- Exceptional communication and relationship-building skills, with the ability to engage effectively across a diverse range of stakeholders.
- Extensive knowledge of development assessment processes, planning legislation and local government operations.
- Strong strategic thinking and problem-solving capabilities, with the ability to balance competing priorities and navigate complex issues.
- Demonstrated experience leading organisational improvement, change initiatives and high-performing teams.
- A collaborative leadership style and a commitment to delivering outstanding customer and community outcomes.

Why Join Us?

At Cairns Regional Council, we are committed to creating an environment where our people can do their best work, grow professionally and make a meaningful impact.

Some benefits we offer include:

- Achieve work / life balance with flexible working arrangements
- Fitness Passport - subsidised health and well-being memberships (gym/swimming pool)
- Recharge with up to 5 weeks annual leave
- Up to 3 weeks personal leave
- Relocation assistance may be available for preferred candidates.
- Salary sacrifice opportunities
- Grow personally and professionally with learning and development opportunities
- Cherish family time with up to 14 weeks paid parental leave

We are committed to:

- Building a culture where people feel valued, supported and empowered.
- Delivering exceptional service to our community and stakeholders.
- Encouraging innovation, collaboration and continuous improvement.
- Investing in leadership development and professional growth.
- Creating a workplace where everyone can thrive.

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Apply on Kit Job: kitjobau.com/job/3zc8ol

📌 Coordinator Development Services (Planning) (Cairns Regional)
🏢 Cairns Regional Council
📍 Cairns Regional