ABOUT US

Change your lifestyle and live and work in a vibrant community and great coastal environment.

Ballina Shire Council is situated on the Far North Coast of New South Wales, 20 minutes from Byron Bay and one hour from the Gold Coast. The shire is a popular tourism destination with pristine beaches, rainforest retreats and hinterland hideaways.

ABOUT THE ROLE

Position

We are seeking an appropriately qualified and experienced Planner to join Council's Development Services team. 

This role offers an exciting opportunity to influence the future of the Ballina Shire, shaping positive growth and contributing to well-planned, sustainable development.

In this role, you will have the opportunity to learn from and be mentored by experienced professionals in a fast-paced and supportive environment. You will contribute to the delivery of high-quality development assessment and compliance services, providing advice and support that helps achieve positive development outcomes across the Shire.

A key aspect of this role will require you to work closely with the Development Services team to contribute to a positive, customer focused culture, and ensure the section goals and objectives are achieved.  

This is a temporary parental relief position for a period of up to 12 months.

To be successful you will bring

• Behaviour that positively demonstrates Council’s values of: creative, accessible, respect, energetic and safe.
• Tertiary qualifications in Town Planning or related discipline.
• Demonstrated experience in development assessment and statutory planning.
• Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act.
• Proven ability to work independently and as part of a team with a focus on delivering quality customer service within set timeframes.
• Demonstrated good communication skills, both oral and written, including the ability to contribute to technical reports and submissions.

The rewards

Joining Ballina Shire Council means more than just a job—it’s an opportunity to build a rewarding career while making a real difference in your community. We offer a range of benefits to support your wellbeing, growth and work-life balance, including:

• A full time salary range of $87,600 to $100,600 per annum (plus 12% superannuation) dependent upon skills, experience and qualifications.
• Flexible work arrangements to support your lifestyle, including a rostered day off working arrangement (9 day fortnight or 4 day week).
• Support toward the cost of relocation associated with recruitment.
• Job security and a supportive, values-driven workplace culture.
• Health and wellbeing initiatives, including Fitness Passport member options.
• Meaningful work that contributes to the sustainability and liveability of our region.
• An inclusive culture where all our people are valued, EEO, diversity and differences are respected.
• An absolute focus on our peoples’ safety and well being.
• Learning and career development opportunities.
• Generous Award workplace conditions.

Click here to view the Position Description and Information Package.

Applications close

11.30pm on Monday 5 October 2026 

Specific enquiries

Andrew Smith | Manager Development Services | 02 6686 1249

How to apply

Please Note:  Once you start your online application, you are able to save and return to it later. This 'unsubmitted' application will be visible to Council.  You must use your email address, and not one used previously by another person who has applied for a position with Council.

You may wish to prepare your responses in a Word document.  You can then COPY and PASTE your answers from Word into the below fields.

Have your Resume document ready to go.

Fill out all questions below.  You will then be prompted to attach your resume and other documents (if applicable).  

Review your application to confirm everything is correct.  Click "Confirm" to submit your application.