Influence the future of one of Victoria’s most diverse and environmentally significant regions. Hybrid work model, Officer location Full time, $109,920 - $132,674 + super + monthly day offAbout Us  As one of Victoria’s fastest‑growing municipalities, Cardinia Shire Council is an innovative and community‑focused organisation committed to delivering high‑quality services for our residents. We’re driven by curiosity, continuous improvement, and a genuine passion for creating a thriving, connected, and sustainable place to live and work.We’re invested in our people and champion a culture where diverse perspectives are valued, learning is encouraged, and your contribution has real impact. If you’re motivated, community‑minded, and looking to build a meaningful career in local government, you’ll find opportunity and purpose here at CardiniaAbout the opportunity Step into an exciting role as a Principal Strategic Planner, where you’ll be at the forefront of shaping the future of Cardinia Shire. You’ll have the chance to develop and implement strategic plans that drive sustainable outcomes for our vibrant community in 2026 and beyond. In this role, you will be instrumental in delivering innovative planning services and ensuring the continued success of our initiatives. You’ll work across a diverse and unique landscape, including state-significant agricultural and industrial land, charming suburbs and townships with distinct characters and values and precinct structure plans and activity centresYou will make an impact byLeading the development and preparation of Planning Scheme Amendments. Driving strategic planning initiatives and development of strategies that protect our natural environment while enabling sustainable growth. Providing expert advice and mentoring to emerging planners within the team. Engaging with councillors, community groups, and external agencies to build shared planning outcomes. What you will bringTertiary qualifications in planning or a related discipline. Extensive experience in strategic land use planning, ideally with strong policy development, project management and strategic report writing exposure, Strong stakeholder engagement and relationship-building skills across government, community, and industry. Strong understanding of planning legislation, including the Planning and Environment Act 1987 and the State Government’s Plan for Victoria. Experience leading complex planning projects and managing external consultants. Confidence in presenting to executive audiences and navigating high-level decision-making environments. A 9-day fortnight may be considered for the right candidate, supporting work-life balance while contributing meaningfully to the team’s success. Why work with us Activity based and hybrid work model. Opportunities to work on innovative and impactful initiatives that make a real difference to the community. Professional development opportunities, including training and education programs, and leadership development initiatives. A commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship, with initiatives to reduce the Council's carbon footprint and promote sustainable practices in the community. A focus on work-life balance, with programs and initiatives designed to support employees' physical and mental well-being. Discover these benefits and how we support and value our employees throughout their career journey.  Click here.  To apply Please complete the online application form, including your resume and a brief cover letter demonstrating your suitability to the role. Applications close, 1st November 2026For further information regarding the role Marcelle Bell Coordinator Strategic Planning on 5943 4287 or refer to the position description. Cardinia Shire Council is an equal opportunity employer committed to an equitable, diverse, and socially inclusive work environment and a positive, barrier-free recruitment process. We welcome applicants from an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander heritage, people living with a disability, LGBTIQ+ and people from culturally diverse backgrounds to explore career opportunities with Cardinia Shire Council. If you have any support or access requirements, we encourage you to advise us at the time of application by contacting us on 1300 787 624. All successful applicants will be required to undertake a National Police Check and pre-employment medicals. Certain positions may also require a Financial Background Check, Traffic Check or Working with Children Check.You must have valid Australian Working Rights to be considered for this role.  Position Description AUD Officer 3809

Principal Strategic Planner

Influence the future of one of Victoria’s most diverse and environmentally significant regions.
Hybrid work model, Officer location
Full time, $109,920 - $132,674 + super + monthly day off

About Us  

As one of Victoria’s fastest‑growing municipalities, Cardinia Shire Council is an innovative and community‑focused organisation committed to delivering high‑quality services for our residents. We’re driven by curiosity, continuous improvement, and a genuine passion for creating a thriving, connected, and sustainable place to live and work.

We’re invested in our people and champion a culture where diverse perspectives are valued, learning is encouraged, and your contribution has real impact. If you’re motivated, community‑minded, and looking to build a meaningful career in local government, you’ll find opportunity and purpose here at Cardinia

About the opportunity

Step into an exciting role as a Principal Strategic Planner, where you’ll be at the forefront of shaping the future of Cardinia Shire. You’ll have the chance to develop and implement strategic plans that drive sustainable outcomes for our vibrant community in 2026 and beyond.

In this role, you will be instrumental in delivering innovative planning services and ensuring the continued success of our initiatives. You’ll work across a diverse and unique landscape, including state-significant agricultural and industrial land, charming suburbs and townships with distinct characters and values and precinct structure plans and activity centres

You will make an impact by

Leading the development and preparation of Planning Scheme Amendments.
Driving strategic planning initiatives and development of strategies that protect our natural environment while enabling sustainable growth.
Providing expert advice and mentoring to emerging planners within the team.
Engaging with councillors, community groups, and external agencies to build shared planning outcomes.

What you will bring

Tertiary qualifications in planning or a related discipline.
Extensive experience in strategic land use planning, ideally with strong policy development, project management and strategic report writing exposure,
Strong stakeholder engagement and relationship-building skills across government, community, and industry.
Strong understanding of planning legislation, including the Planning and Environment Act 1987 and the State Government’s Plan for Victoria.
Experience leading complex planning projects and managing external consultants.
Confidence in presenting to executive audiences and navigating high-level decision-making environments.

A 9-day fortnight may be considered for the right candidate, supporting work-life balance while contributing meaningfully to the team’s success. 

Why work with us 

Activity based and hybrid work model. 
Opportunities to work on innovative and impactful initiatives that make a real difference to the community. 
Professional development opportunities, including training and education programs, and leadership development initiatives. 
A commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship, with initiatives to reduce the Council's carbon footprint and promote sustainable practices in the community. 
A focus on work-life balance, with programs and initiatives designed to support employees' physical and mental well-being. 
Discover these benefits and how we support and value our employees throughout their career journey.  Click here.

To apply 

Please complete the online application form, including your resume and a brief cover letter demonstrating your suitability to the role. 
Applications close, 1st November 2026
For further information regarding the role Marcelle Bell Coordinator Strategic Planning on 5943 4287 or refer to the position description.

Cardinia Shire Council is an equal opportunity employer committed to an equitable, diverse, and socially inclusive work environment and a positive, barrier-free recruitment process. We welcome applicants from an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander heritage, people living with a disability, LGBTIQ+ and people from culturally diverse backgrounds to explore career opportunities with Cardinia Shire Council. If you have any support or access requirements, we encourage you to advise us at the time of application by contacting us on 1300 787 624. 

All successful applicants will be required to undertake a National Police Check and pre-employment medicals. Certain positions may also require a Financial Background Check, Traffic Check or Working with Children Check.

You must have valid Australian Working Rights to be considered for this role. 

Position Description

Application Successful

Principal Strategic Planner

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