Coordinator Statutory Planning

About Colac Otway Shire
Colac Otway Shire, located just two hours west of Melbourne, is one of Victoria’s most picturesque regions, offering diverse landscapes ranging from volcanic plains and hinterland forests to the iconic Great Ocean Road coastline. The town of Colac serves as the key industrial and commercial hub of the region, while Apollo Bay, as the coastal center, attracts thousands of visitors each summer, adding to the Shire's vibrant community.

The Council is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for both residents and visitors, fostering a thriving, sustainable, and inclusive community. With a focus on strategic planning, economic development, and environmental sustainability, Colac Otway Shire Council delivers key services in planning, environmental management, community support, and public safety. Committed to excellence, innovation, and strong community engagement, the Council’s vision is to enhance livability, prosperity, and preserve the Shire’s natural beauty and diverse heritage.

About the Role
The Coordinator Statutory Planning leads the delivery of statutory planning services within the Planning and Building Department. The role is responsible for managing a team of statutory planners, providing expert guidance, overseeing the preparation of high-quality reports[BB1] , and supporting engagement with Councillors, the community, and referral authorities. The position does not carry a personal caseload; instead, the focus is on enabling the team to navigate complex applications efficiently and consistently.
The planning workload across the Shire is broad and often complex, including major residential subdivisions, commercial developments, tourism proposals, quarries, and planning within highly regulated environmental contexts. The Coordinator ensures planning decisions align with the Colac Otway Planning Scheme, Council priorities, and broader strategic objectives, while also contributing to interdepartmental collaboration and continuous service improvement. The role includes representing Council at VCAT and public forums where required.

This is a Band 8 role offering a monthly RDO and flexible work arrangements, including a hybrid work model currently adopted by the Statutory Planning team. 

Candidate Profile
We are seeking a qualified and experienced statutory planner with strong practical knowledge of Victorian planning systems and local government processes. You will have proven ability in interpreting planning policy, preparing clear and accurate reports, and supporting the professional development of planning staff. Experience working in local government is essential, as is a commitment to delivering high-quality outcomes in a customer-focused and accountable manner.

You will bring strong leadership capability, excellent communication and negotiation skills, and confidence representing the organisation in public and formal settings. This role would suit an experienced planner with demonstrated capability and ambition to lead, or someone currently in a team leadership or coordination role seeking broader scope and responsibility. A relevant tertiary qualification in planning, along with a current driver’s licence, is required. 

Application Process
Public Sector People (PSP) has partnered with Colac Otway Shire Council in the recruitment of this role. We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the land on which this opportunity takes place and pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging.

Colac Otway Shire is a child-safe organisation, committed to creating an environment where children are safe, respected and empowered. We welcome and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people with disabilities, and those from culturally and linguistically diverse communities. 

For further information, including the candidate information pack, please contact Marcel on 0423 668 753 or [email protected] To apply, please submit your resume and cover letter through the link here. 

Applications for this role close on Monday May 5th, 2025.