The Opportunity

To manage and oversee effective Workplace Health and Safety (WH&S;) strategy and functions in accordance with legislative requirements and Council Policies.

About Us

Banana Shire is situated in Central Queensland, Australia located 120 km west of the growing industrial city and port of Gladstone - and an easy drive to the city of Rockhampton.

Our population is approximately 15,000 people spread over 28,577 square kilometres. Major industries in the area include Coal Mining, Power Generation, Beef Production, dryland cropping and irrigation such as Lucerne and Cotton.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

- Provide expert technical advice, guidance, coaching and support to all stakeholders on Work Health and Safety (WH&S;) matters including practical interpretations and application of the WH&S; Act, Regulations, Code of Practice and other industry guidelines relevant to Council
- Oversee the rehabilitation and Workers Compensation Claims of injured workers and related tasks ensuring compliance with Return to Work and Rehabilitation Legislation
- Manage and maintain Safe Work Procedures, Safety Management System, SWMS, Registers and working documents
- Monitor Council and Employee’s compliance with WH&S; legislation, Council Policies and Procedures and refine WH&S; performance indicators
- Supervise and mentor the WH&S; team through effective leadership skills, Conduct Performance Reviews and training needs analysis for direct reports.
- Manage, plan and continuously improve WH&S; related training/inductions
- Identify initiatives and make recommendations regarding safety performance improvements including contributing to job and workplace ergonomics to manage and reduce workplace injuries and illnesses
- Develop, coordinate and manage the hazard/risk assessments and inspection system through council and advise on appropriate control measures and corrective action plans
- Oversee the investigation of and reporting on workplace incidents,



injuries and illnesses including liaising with relevant authorities and senior management on measures and outcomes and developing preventative strategies
- Monitor and ensure the effectiveness of safety equipment and personal protective equipment.
- Participate in the WH&S; committee, and monitor the effectiveness of this forum as it relates to the terms of reference
- Monitor metrics and trends of incidents (including injuries, illnesses, near misses and dangerous occurrences) and provide reports on incident statistics to management and the WH&S; Committee
- Manage and undertake internal audits as per agreed audit schedule, specialist WH&S; audits and inspections
- Represent Council in any matter relating to external authorities with regard to WH&S;
- Develop, manage and review the implementation of WH&S; Operational Plans
- Prepare, monitor and manage Council’s WH&S; budget
- Develop, implement, and review WH&S; Policies and Procedures to assist in developing Safe Operating Procedures
- Contribute to the promotion of the image of the Council and the maximisation of good public relations
- Liaise with clients, other Council staff, the public, consultants, utility and government authorities in the performance of duties including providing and obtaining information
- Undertake routine administrative tasks as required by the position eg. timesheets
- Assist senior staff to continuously improve work processes and develop new practices as required
- Participate in training, exercises and response to disaster management and recovery as required




- Undertake other relevant duties as directed, consistent with skills, competence and training.

QUALIFICATIONS, EDUCATION AND LICENCE REQUIREMENTS

Compulsory

- Bachelor Degree in Occupational WH&S; or other equivalent qualification with extensive experience in an equivalent position preferably in a large organisation operating a diverse range of businesses.
- Auditor certification or willingness to undertake and complete this qualification.
- Queensland C class drivers licence (minimum requirement – provisional licence)

ABILITIES, SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE REQUIRED

Compulsory

- Demonstrated detailed knowledge of WHS legislation, associated legislation, industry standards and codes of practice and its practical application in Local Government or Civil Construction Industry
- Demonstrated qualifications and/or experience in managing the rehabilitation of workers and the return to work of employees
- Well-developed organisational skills and the proven ability to prioritise workloads and balance competing priorities, as well as make effective oral presentations and write explicit and concise reports and correspondence
- Demonstrated ability to manage and mentor a team, including key influencing skills of other teams and various stakeholders
- Demonstrated proven experience and ability to coordinate, monitor and assess systems in relation to hazard / risk assessment / incident investigation techniques
- Demonstrated ability in performing Management System Audits, Self-insurance audits and compiling audit reports with highly developed oral and written communication skills to meet internal and external reporting requirements.
- Sound knowledge of EEO practices and Principles

How to Apply

Information on how to apply is in our application package, which can be obtained from our website www.banana.qld.gov.au or by calling 07 4992 9***.

Applications close:

20 August 2026

📌 Principal Work Health & Safety Advisor (Brisbane)
🏢 Banana Shire Council
📍 Brisbane