Planning Enquiries Officer

Description:

Planning Enquiries Officer
ABOUT US
Moira Shire Council is an innovative and progressive local government organisation committed to serving the needs of communities across a large regional shire located on the Murray River almost 3 hours north of Melbourne. Extending from the iconic Barmah Forest along the Murray River our region includes four major towns - Cobram, Numurkah, Nathalia and Yarrawonga, one of Victoria’s most popular holiday destinations.
We are a team of diverse individuals who enjoy many lifestyle benefits of working for Moira Shire Council.
Some of these benefits include:
A family-friendly workplace that lives by our values of Respect, Integrity, Accountability, Honesty, and Teamwork
Access to annual flu shots.
Annual skin checks.
Opportunity to salary package.
Corporate gym membership prices,
Access Employee Assistance Program.
Can and soft-plastic collection.
The ability to make a tangible difference to your community.
16 weeks paid parental leave for primary caregiver and 6 weeks for secondary carer.
So much more... FULL LIST HERE
Please note all benefits are considered individually for roles on a pro-rata basis. Temporary and part-time roles may not be eligible for all inclusions.
Moira Shire Council is an Equal Opportunity Employer offering flexible work arrangements for employees in a family-friendly work place.
Moira promotes a workplace that actively seeks to include, welcome and value the contributions of all people and encourages people with a disability, Aboriginal Australians, young people and people from culturally diverse backgrounds to apply.
Job Description
Role Purpose and Objectives
The Planning Department responsibly assesses planning permit applications, provides advice on development issues and effectively communicates processes, decisions and outcomes to community stakeholders.
The Planning Enquiries Officer acts as the initial point of contact with customers in relation to planning permit enquiries. The Planning Enquiries Officer provides general development advice to internal and external customers, ensuring technically accurate information is provided to customers to deliver on the Business Unit’s strategic and operational objectives.
The role assists and supports team members by:
Providing information and advice to enquiries and pre-lodgement requests relating to planning and development.
Being able to interpret and provide advice on the Victorian planning system, including the Planning and Environment Act 1987, Subdivision Act 1988, The Victorian Planning Provisions, the Moira Planning Scheme and VCAT processes.
Being able to advise stakeholders on where to find information, systems and planning controls on both Council and State Government webpages.
Building and maintaining productive relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
Undertaking preliminary reviews of applications and processing minor applications.
Being proactive in developing and maintaining a continuous improvement culture of all processes, systems and activities for improved customer service, efficiency and effectiveness in service delivery.
The provision of efficient and effective administrative services and support to the Planning Department to satisfy Council and the community, and ensure that all statutory obligations are met.
By assisting the team to achieve organisational objectives through the provision of administrative support duties.
The enhancement of the image of the Council to both internal and external customers.
This role may be offered at a Band 5 or a Band 6 rate of pay, dependent upon the incumbent's qualifications and experience. If you're a new graduate looking for an opportunity to enter the planning world, or perhaps you're still studying and have had some relevant experience - this is your opportunity!
If the successful applicant qualifies for a Band 5 upon commencement, and through the course of studies and experience becomes eligible for a Band 6, consideration will be given to reclassifying the role provided that a higher level of service delivery is able to be offered.
To view the Position Description click the hyperlink
Desired Skills and Experience
Please submit a Cover Letter with your application which addresses the following Key Selection Criteria:
Relevant tertiary qualifications (or at least studying toward a Diploma/degree in Town and Regional Planning or equivalent recognised qualification).
Experience and/or understanding of the role and responsibilities of Local Government and its statutory functions;
Skills in computer operations utilising Microsoft Office and a range of specialist software including GIS mapping;
Ability to demonstrate exceptional customer service skills and the ability to build positive relationships;
Ability to gain cooperation and assistance from other employees and external stakeholders;
Ability to remain pleasant and courteous at all times even when dealing with difficult people;
Ability to deal discreetly and tactfully with confidential and sensitive matters;
High quality interpersonal skills including written and oral communication and negotiation skills.
Closing Date: 18/05/2025