Manager Planning and Development
4 Year Fixed-Term Contract | TRP $200,000
Location: Yeppoon | Reports to: General Manager Communities & Environment
Livingstone Shire Council is seeking an experienced and visionary leader to provide strategic and operational leadership across Planning and Development, including development assessment, development engineering, strategic planning, community compliance, and public and built environment functions. This role will drive innovation, performance, and service excellence while supporting sustainable growth and enhancing the liveability and resilience of our communities.
About Us
Livingstone Shire sits along the stunning Capricorn Coast, covering 11,776 square kilometres and home to nearly 41,000 residents. Since its formation in 2013, Council has grown into a values-driven organisation with around 400 staff committed to delivering for our community.
Our region is known for its relaxed coastal lifestyle, pristine beaches, lush rainforests, and vibrant community spirit. It’s a place where connection matters, and where nature and opportunity live side by side.
Council’s culture is built on Accountability, Teamwork, Community, Potential, and Positivity; values that guide how we work and how we lead.
Our vision is to be A prosperous region for families, business, and future generations. We are committed to creating a vibrant, resilient, and inclusive community where people thrive, nature is protected, and innovation drives progress.
Our work is guided by four strategic pillars:
- Growth to Fund Service Delivery - Strategic investments and development to create sustainable revenue streams that support quality community services.
- Services That Meet Customer Expectations - Responsive, accessible and high-quality services that address the evolving needs of residents and businesses.
- Efficiency in Delivery - Streamlined processes, elimination of red tape, and smart resource allocation to maximise value for ratepayers and opportunity for Business diversity and growth.
- Protecting Our Natural Resources - Creating opportunity to protect and value Livingstone’s natural resources for future generations, whilst encouraging sustainable consumption of resources across our region.
What You Will Be Driving:
We are looking for a leader who can shape the future of development, planning and environmental outcomes across the region while fostering a high-performing and customer-focused culture.
Here is what you will be driving:
- Lead and inspire multidisciplinary teams across development assessment, development engineering, strategic planning, community compliance, and public and built environment functions.
- Provide strategic leadership to support sustainable growth, responsible development, and environmental stewardship across the region.
- Drive continuous improvement, innovation, and service excellence through modern planning practices and operational efficiencies.
- Ensure compliance with legislative, regulatory, and policy requirements while proactively managing organisational and community risks.
- Build strong partnerships with internal and external stakeholders to achieve integrated outcomes and deliver community value.
- Oversee business planning, workforce capability, budget management, and resource allocation to achieve strategic objectives.
What You Will Bring:
You will bring strong leadership capability, sound technical expertise and the ability to navigate complex regulatory and development environments while maintaining a focus on customer outcomes and sustainable community growth.
You will bring:
- Tertiary qualifications in planning, engineering, environmental management, or a related discipline.
- Extensive experience leading multidisciplinary teams within a complex regulatory or service delivery environment.
- Demonstrated expertise in development assessment, engineering, growth management, environmental planning, or related areas.
- Proven capability in financial management, governance, strategic planning and operational leadership.
- Strong decision-making skills with experience managing complex and sensitive development, regulatory or compliance matters.
- Excellent stakeholder engagement and communication skills.
- A current “C” Class Driver Licence.
Bonus Points For:
- Postgraduate qualifications in planning, engineering, environmental management, public administration, or a related discipline.
- Experience working within local government or the public sector.
- Demonstrated success leading service transformation, innovation or digital improvement initiatives.
- Membership or eligibility for membership with a relevant professional body such as PIA, Engineers Australia or EIANZ
What Is In It For You?
Here is what makes this position stand out:
- Regional Impact – Shape the future growth and development of one of Queensland’s most desirable coastal regions.
- Executive Leadership Opportunity – Lead a diverse and highly skilled team delivering critical services to the community.
- Strategic Influence – Work closely with the Executive Leadership Team to guide long-term planning and development outcomes.
- Values-Driven Culture – Join a collaborative organisation committed to innovation, accountability and service excellence.
- Competitive Package – TRP $200,000, plus the opportunity to make a lasting impact on the future of the Livingstone Shire region
Ready to take the lead?
To apply for this position please address the selection criteria on the recruitment portal and supply a copy of your resume and any relevant qualifications/tickets or licences.
Applications close midnight Monday, 27 July 2026 (AEST).
Livingstone Shire Council is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.