Principal Development Planner
Chandler Macleod ·www.chandlermacleod.com
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Principal Development Planner - Development Assessment Leadership
Mackay, QLD | Full-time | 9-day fortnight | Hybrid options available | Relocation support
Mackay Regional Council is seeking an experienced statutory planning professional to lead complex development assessment and strengthen capability across an established planning team. This is a hands-on leadership role with real influence on how one of Queensland’s most important regional economies grows—balancing development outcomes, community expectations and long-term sustainability.
The opportunity
Reporting into the Planning, Growth and Sustainability function, you’ll provide technical direction across development assessment, support consistent and defensible decision-making, and coach planners through complex and regionally significant matters.
Whether you’re currently in local government or consulting, you’ll be someone known for sound planning judgement, strong stakeholder management, and the ability to guide others through high-risk or high-profile assessments.
Benefits:
• 9-day fortnight
• Flexible working arrangements and hybrid options
• Relocation assistance up to $10,000 (conditions apply)
• Annual leave loading
• Study assistance and ongoing professional development
• Wellbeing and support programs
Key responsibilities:
What you’ll bring (essential):
Desirable:
How to apply:
Click Apply and submit:
For a confidential discussion, contact:
Anna Dziopa | Principal Consultant, Chandler Macleod
(07) 2140 6649 | anna.dziopa@chandlermacleod.com
Applications close: Friday 9 October 2026, 11:59pm AEST
Mackay, QLD | Full-time | 9-day fortnight | Hybrid options available | Relocation support
Mackay Regional Council is seeking an experienced statutory planning professional to lead complex development assessment and strengthen capability across an established planning team. This is a hands-on leadership role with real influence on how one of Queensland’s most important regional economies grows—balancing development outcomes, community expectations and long-term sustainability.
The opportunity
Reporting into the Planning, Growth and Sustainability function, you’ll provide technical direction across development assessment, support consistent and defensible decision-making, and coach planners through complex and regionally significant matters.
Whether you’re currently in local government or consulting, you’ll be someone known for sound planning judgement, strong stakeholder management, and the ability to guide others through high-risk or high-profile assessments.
Benefits:
• 9-day fortnight
• Flexible working arrangements and hybrid options
• Relocation assistance up to $10,000 (conditions apply)
• Annual leave loading
• Study assistance and ongoing professional development
• Wellbeing and support programs
Key responsibilities:
- Lead, mentor and develop a team of planning professionals
• Oversee and guide the assessment of complex and regionally significant development applications
• Review assessments and correspondence to ensure quality, consistency and legislative compliance
• Provide expert advice to internal stakeholders, applicants and external parties
• Act as the escalation point for complex and high-risk planning matters
• Build strong working relationships with developers, consultants, government agencies and the community
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives and service delivery outcomes
• Promote a collaborative, accountable, high-performing culture
What you’ll bring (essential):
- Tertiary qualification in Urban and Regional Planning (or related discipline)
- Strong experience in statutory planning and development assessment (Queensland context)
- Demonstrated leadership capability (people leadership, mentoring and/or team development)
- High-level written communication and analytical/report writing skills
- Sound judgement and the ability to deliver practical, defensible planning outcomes
- Current Queensland C Class Driver Licence
Desirable:
- Local government planning experience
- Eligibility for membership with the Planning Institute of Australia
- Leadership/management qualification
How to apply:
Click Apply and submit:
- Your CV
- A cover letter (max 1 page) outlining: Your interest in the role, experience leading or mentoring other planner and examples of complex development assessment matters you have managed
For a confidential discussion, contact:
Anna Dziopa | Principal Consultant, Chandler Macleod
(07) 2140 6649 | anna.dziopa@chandlermacleod.com
Applications close: Friday 9 October 2026, 11:59pm AEST
Frequently asked questions
Who is hiring for the Principal Development Planner role?
Chandler Macleod is hiring for the Principal Development Planner position, a Shazamme client. Apply directly on the employer's career site.
Where is the Principal Development Planner job located?
The Principal Development Planner role with Chandler Macleod is based in Mackay, QLD, AU. The role is hybrid-friendly.
Is the Principal Development Planner role remote?
Yes — the Principal Development Planner position at Chandler Macleod is hybrid. Candidates based in AU are preferred.
What does the Principal Development Planner role pay?
Chandler Macleod lists the Principal Development Planner role at AUD 118,000–140,000 per year.
Is the Principal Development Planner role full-time or contract?
This is a full time position at Chandler Macleod.
What experience level is the Principal Development Planner role?
The Principal Development Planner position is aimed at principal-level candidates.
How do I apply for the Principal Development Planner role at Chandler Macleod?
Apply directly on Chandler Macleod's career page via the Apply button on this listing. ZammeJobs links straight through to the employer's ATS — no third-party form, no resume database.