* Please note: This role is located in Central Queensland *

Osborne Richardson is proud to partner with Central Highlands Regional Council on a sensational 12-month opportunity based right in our sweet spot of Central Queensland. We're on the hunt for an experienced planning qualified to step into a dual coordination role, backfilling two key positions within Council's Planning & Land Management team as they transition through a period of internal change.

This is a great chance for a seasoned planner to bring your A game to a council that genuinely values its people and its community outcomes. If you are seeking a role to refill your bucket and reinvigorate your senses then, this is that one!!

You’ll start out leading the Development & Assessment function before transitioning into the Strategic Land Use coordination role for the remainder of the contract:

- 07 September 2026 - 06 November 2026: Coordinator Development & Assessment
- 09 November 2026 - 17 September 2027: Coordinator Strategic Land Use

Across the assignment you'll:

- Hold overall responsibility for the delivery of development applications, compliance matters, and building/plumbing regulation, before shifting focus to strategic planning, growth management, and long-term land use outcomes for the region
- Interpret and administer relevant planning, building, plumbing and environment legislation, including the Planning Act 2016
- Provide high-level leadership to a multi-disciplinary team, keeping staff clear on direction and delivering accurate, timely outcomes
- Assist the Manager with strategic and business planning, and the development of masterplans, planning policies and instruments




- Produce high-standard reports, correspondence and advice for internal and external stakeholders
- Build trusted relationships across Council, the community, and external stakeholders

Essential Criteria

1. Minimum Queensland C class provisional driver's licence
2. A degree-level qualification in Town/Urban Planning or equivalent
3. Demonstrated or extensive experience enforcing planning scheme provisions and relevant planning, plumbing and building legislation
4. Sound understanding of Council policies and procedures
5. Knowledge of, and/or proven experience with, local government strategic planning, relevant legislation, policies and procedures, including the Planning Act 2016
6. Demonstrated ability to lead and coordinate a multi-disciplinary team within a political/local government environment
7. Queensland and local government experience preferred; state government or private sector planning experience will also be considered

What's on offer:

- Pay Rate: $84.98-$94.56 p/hr + Super (dependant on skills & experience)
- Hours: 9-day fortnight, Monday-Friday, 7am-5pm
- Location: Emerald, QLD
- Contract: 7th September 2026 - 17th September 2027
- Accommodation: Provided for the length of the assignment
- Travel costs: Will be covered at the start and finalisation of the assignment

If you're a planning professional looking for a well-supported regional contract with genuine variety — from development assessment through to strategic land use — this one's worth a look.

For a confidential chat, please feel free to give Owen Millar a shout on or email

Always happy to chat.

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📌 Strategic & Development Planning Lead (12-Month, CQ) (Emerald)
🏢 Osborne Richardson Australia
📍 Emerald