Walgett Shire Council

Town Planner

• Be part of rebuilding a Council focused on people, safety, service, and strong community values.
• Shape the future of one of NSW’s most diverse and distinctive regional areas.
• Hybrid arrangements considered, with regular attendance in the Walgett Shire essential for success.
• Attractive salary range of $1,583.88 to $2,141.42 per week (with a scheduled increase in July), plus superannuation, plus the opportunity to negotiate an additional market value allowance for an outstanding candidate.
• Generous benefits, including potential subsidised housing, a leaseback vehicle with private use, five weeks annual leave, flex leave arrangements, long service leave available after five years, flexible working options including hybrid arrangements (with regular presence in the Shire required), and a commitment to supporting your professional growth.

About us:

Walgett Shire Council proudly serves a diverse and unique region in the heart of outback New South Wales. Covering over 22,000 square kilometres, the Shire includes the towns of Walgett, Lightning Ridge, and Collarenebri, along with the villages of Carinda, Cumborah, Rowena, and Burren Junction, as well as expansive rural areas. With a population of approximately 7,000, the Shire supports key industries such as agriculture, grazing, grain handling, opal mining, and tourism.

Nestled at the junction of the Namoi and Barwon Rivers, Walgett is rich in history and natural beauty. Once a bustling paddle-steamer port, it is now the northern gateway to the iconic Darling River Run, offering breathtaking landscapes and a deep connection to Australia’s heritage.

Just an hour north, Lightning Ridge is famed for its vibrant opal mining culture and distinctive outback charm. Whether it is fossicking for opals, exploring underground art galleries, soaking in naturally heated artesian springs, or enjoying the tranquillity of river fishing, the region offers a truly one-of-a-kind experience.

Life in Walgett Shire offers the best of outback living—open skies, a strong sense of community, and endless opportunities to explore.

At Walgett Shire Council, we are rebuilding with a people-first culture. Safety, our people, and service to the community are at the core of everything we do. We are looking for passionate and committed professionals who are aligned with our core values: Respect, Integrity, Ethical Conduct, Courage, Honesty, Accountability, and Responsibility.

Life in Walgett Shire offers the best of outback living—open skies, a strong sense of community, and endless opportunities to explore. For more information about Walgett and the Lightning Ridge area, please click here.

About the role:

We are seeking a motivated and capable Town Planner to support the sustainable growth and development of Walgett Shire. This role will be responsible for assessing a diverse range of development applications, contributing to strategic planning projects, and working closely with internal and external stakeholders to deliver high-quality land use outcomes.

You will have the opportunity to work on planning matters unique to regional and outback Australia, including Crown land management, rural subdivisions, opal fields development, and floodplain planning. Balancing compliance with innovation and service delivery, you will help guide the future of the Shire while respecting its cultural heritage, environmental values, and community aspirations.

This is a critical role for a Council that is committed to doing things differently, valuing transparency, teamwork, and delivering positive outcomes for the community.

About you:

• You are passionate about regional planning and contributing to meaningful community outcomes.
• You hold a degree in Urban and Regional Planning or a related discipline, along with a current Class C Driver Licence.
• You have demonstrated experience in development assessment, planning proposals, or land use strategy development.
• You have comprehensive knowledge of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 and associated legislation.
• You possess strong problem-solving skills and the ability to negotiate and resolve complex planning issues.
• You pride yourself on your ability to manage competing priorities, meet deadlines, and work collaboratively within a team environment.
• You have excellent communication skills and are able to engage positively with applicants, residents, and government agencies.
• Experience working in a rural or regional context is highly desirable.
• Most importantly, you align with our values of Respect, Integrity, Ethical Conduct, Courage, Honesty, Accountability, and Responsibility, and are committed to building a positive workplace culture.

At Walgett Shire Council, we understand that not every candidate will meet every criterion, and that is perfectly fine—your passion and potential matter most to us.

The full position description can be viewed by clicking here.

For further information or discussion about the position, contact our People and Culture Team on 02 6828 6100 during business hours.

What we offer:

• A highly competitive salary range of $1,583.88 to $2,141.42 per week, plus 11.5% superannuation, with a scheduled salary increase in July.
• An additional market value allowance may be negotiated for a strong candidate bringing exceptional skills and experience.
• Relocation assistance and subsidised housing are available to support your transition to the region.
• Access to a leaseback vehicle with private use and essential tools of the trade.
• Salary packaging options available to maximise your take-home pay.
• Generous leave benefits, including five weeks annual leave per year and long service leave available after five years of service.
• Flex-time arrangements and a genuine commitment to promoting a healthy work/life balance.
• Hybrid work arrangements may be considered, however, regular attendance within the Walgett Shire will be essential.
• Professional development opportunities to support your growth and long-term career success.
• Access to Council’s Employee Assistance Program (EAP) to support your wellbeing and that of your family.
• Exceptional working conditions within a supportive, family-friendly, and people-first organisational culture.
• The opportunity to be part of a Council genuinely focused on safety, service to the community, and rebuilding around the values of Respect, Integrity, Ethical Conduct, Courage, Honesty, Accountability, and Responsibility.

How to apply:

To apply, follow the instructions below, complete the selection criteria and attach your resume and cover letter.

A failure to answer selection criteria and to attach your resume will result in your application being rejected.

Further information regarding the online application process may be obtained by contacting Council’s People and Culture Team via email jobs@walgett.nsw.gov.au 

Please Note: All correspondence regarding your application status and interview will be sent to you via email.

Closing date for applications:

Applications close at 5.00pm on Monday, 19 May 2025.

Council reserves the right to close, withdraw or extend vacancies without prior notice.

Walgett Shire Council is proud to be an equal opportunity employer, committed to fostering diversity and inclusion in our workplace. We encourage applications from people with disabilities, culturally and linguistically diverse persons, members of the LGBTQIA+ community, veterans, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.