POSITION TITLE:
SENIOR STRATEGIC PLANNER
POSITION NO:
5SP006
DIVISION:
DEPARTMENT:
C
CITY SUSTAINABILITY
STRATEGIC PLANNING
SECTION:
STATUS:
PERMANENT FULL TIME
CLASSIFICATION:
BAND 7
OCCUPANT:
VACANT
LOCATION:
BROADMEADOWS OFFICE
DATE:
APRIL 2013
POSITION OBJECTIVE(S):
1.
To provide high level strategic land use planning, policy development, advice and research
expertise to the Council for the long term benefit of the community of Hume City Council.
2.
To co-ordinate and facilitate the preparation, implementation and review of local planning policies,
Strategy Plans, Local Structure Plans and Precinct Structure Plans and Development Contribution
Plans within the Municipality.
3.
To co-ordinate and facilitate the preparation of high level Planning Scheme amendments to the
Hume Planning Scheme.
4.
To provide high level strategic comment and advice on new development proposals in accordance
with prevailing Council policies and strategies.
5.
To promote community awareness of, and participation in, the development of Strategic Planning
Policies that advance Council’s growth objectives for the development of the municipality.
6.
To provide a mentor role for other strategic planners within the Strategic Planning team.
7.
To project manage strategic land use planning projects as directed by the Manager Strategic
Planning.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES:

Provide high level strategic land use planning input into the planning process of Council leading to
the development and review of urban and rural structure plans, precinct structure plans,
development contribution plans, Council policies and amendments to the Hume Planning Scheme.

Provide high level and timely advice regarding the implementation of the Victoria Planning
Provisions and other planning reform initiatives.
Position Description Template - For current version refer to the Intranet. Printed copy
for immediate use only – printed 31 July 2017.
Approved By: EMT
Approval Date: 11 March 2011
Author: Human Resources
Review Date: 11 March 2013
Page 1 of 7

Participate in, and where directed, project manage and co-ordinate the review, monitoring and
development of existing and new local structure plans, precinct structure plans, developer
contribution plans and other strategic framework plans of Council.

Participate in and lead working groups and forums related to the co-ordination of infrastructure and
service requirements within nominated growth areas of the municipality.

To review new development proposals ensuring that such proposals meet with the objectives of the
Hume Planning Scheme.

In conjunction with other Council officers participate in the implementation and review of Precinct
Structure Plans and Developer Contribution Plans, as directed.

Provide timely and high level advice on relevant strategic planning issues and trends in both the
municipality and the broader metropolitan and adjoining regions.

Provide high level advice to Council and where necessary prepare submissions on State
Government strategic planning policy, reports and initiatives.

Represent Council on inter-municipal and inter-governmental working parties concerning strategic
planning and growth issues affecting the municipality.

Prepare and present high level reports and submissions of a strategic planning nature at Panel
Hearings and to other review forums on strategic planning issues.

Investigate and report on the strategic planning implications of proposed Planning Scheme
Amendments, whether generated by members of the public or from Council/State Government
initiatives and where directed prepare Planning Scheme Amendments in accordance with the
provisions of the Planning and Environment Act.

Develop appropriate consultation and promotion programs for the dissemination of timely information
aimed at increasing awareness of strategic planning issues in the community.
ORGANISATIONAL CONTEXT
Vision
Hume City Council will be recognised as a leader in achieving social, environmental and economic
outcomes with a common goal of connecting our proud community and celebrating the diversity of
Hume.
Mission
To enhance the social, economic and environmental prosperity of our community through vision,
leadership, excellence and inclusion.
Our Hume Values & Guiding Behaviours:
Respect
I will:
 Actively listen and communicate openly with others
 Value individual differences and the contribution of
others
 Treat people fairly and ensure others do the same
Respect
Customer
Focus
Collaboration
Innovation
Position Description Template - For current version refer to the Intranet. Printed copy
for immediate use only – printed 31 July 2017.
Approved By: EMT
Approval Date: 11 March 2011
Author: Human Resources
Review Date: 11 March 2013
Page 2 of 7
Customer Focus
I will:
 Take responsibility for delivering services and solutions in a timely manner
 Respond to internal and external customers professionally and respectfully
 Engage with, listen and seek to understand the needs and expectations of the customer/resident
Collaboration
I will:
 Support and assist others by sharing information, knowledge and resources
 Cooperate with others and set and achieve common goals
 Actively participate and contribute to the team
Innovation
I will:
 Explore and act on better ways of doing things
 Be open minded and encourage new ideas from others
 Actively learn and develop to improve the work I do for the organisation
ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY
Hume City Council has a strong and enduring commitment to environmental sustainability, and prides
itself on its leadership on a range of environmental issues. Council’s Sustainable Environment
Department leads Council activities in this area, however all Council departments have a direct
responsibility for implementing environmental sustainability actions across all Council operations and
services to the community.
Council’s Live Green Work Green employee behaviour change program encourages staff participation in
reducing the environmental impact of Council operations. Staff are encouraged to join the environmental
leadership team, the Green Team, guiding action in this area.
CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT/BEST VALUE
Assist in the implementation and maintain continuous improvement system standards and procedures.
RISK MANAGEMENT:
Contribute to a positive risk management culture by complying with the Risk Management policy,
assisting with the implementation of the Risk Management Strategy and reporting risk management
concerns and improvements to their supervisors and/or managers.
Demonstrate Council's commitment to implementing best practice risk management processes.
OHS
Employees are required to participate in the OHS process by:
 Following established safe working instructions, procedures and policies.
 Taking reasonable care for their own Occupational Health and Safety and that of others.
 Seeking assistance when unsure of practices, procedures and policies to perform a task.
 Reporting all incidents, injuries, near misses, damage to property and hazards as soon as
practicable to their supervisor and the OHS Team.
 Actively participating and contributing to inspections, audits, team meetings and training.
 Ensure that relevant OHS legislation is complied with.
Position Description Template - For current version refer to the Intranet. Printed copy
for immediate use only – printed 31 July 2017.
Approved By: EMT
Approval Date: 11 March 2011
Author: Human Resources
Review Date: 11 March 2013
Page 3 of 7
POLICE RECORDS CHECK:
The incumbent must have and maintain a current Police Records Check:
 YES
 NO
WORKING WITH CHILDREN CHECK:
The incumbent must have and maintain a current ‘Working with Children Check’:  YES
 NO
OTHER DUTIES:
Responsibilities and duties included in this Position Description are subject to the Multi-skilling provisions
of the relevant Award and/or the Hume City Council Enterprise Agreement.
ORGANISATIONAL RELATIONSHIPS:
Reports to:
Growth Area Planning Coordinator
Supervises:
Other strategic planners in a mentor role as directed
Internal Contacts:
Staff in all Council Departments
External Contacts:
State, Federal, Regional and Local bodies including:
Department of Planning and Community Development
Growth Areas Authority
Department of Sustainability & Environment
Vic Roads
Department of Transport
Department of Primary Industries
Department of Human Services
Department of Education and Early Childhood Development
Municipal Association of Victoria
Community
Planning Consultants & Developers.
ACCOUNTABILITY AND EXTENT OF AUTHORITY:
The incumbent is responsible and accountable for:
 Displaying and promoting Our Hume Values & Guiding Behaviours

Maintaining a knowledge of and working within Organisation Policies and Procedures including
OHS, EEO and Code of Conduct.

Provide high level strategic land use planning input into the planning process of Council leading to
the development and review of urban and rural structure plans, precinct structure plans,
development contribution plans, Council policies and amendments to the Hume Planning Scheme.

Provide high level and timely advice regarding the implementation of the Victoria Planning
Provisions and other planning reform initiatives.

Participate in, and where directed, project manage and co-ordinate the review, monitoring and
development of existing and new local structure plans, precinct structure plans, developer
contribution plans and other strategic framework plans of Council.
JUDGEMENT AND DECISION MAKING:
The incumbent is accountable for:

Exercising initiative in undertaking research and evaluation of strategic planning issues and
preparing recommendations to Council regarding the implementation of these.
Position Description Template - For current version refer to the Intranet. Printed copy
for immediate use only – printed 31 July 2017.
Approved By: EMT
Approval Date: 11 March 2011
Author: Human Resources
Review Date: 11 March 2013
Page 4 of 7

Providing formal recommendations on rural and urban planning matters following discussion with the
Coordinator Growth Area Planning, Manager Strategic Planning, Director City Sustainability, the
Executive Management Team, the Chief Executive Officer and Council.

Developing appropriate methods and techniques for successful implementation of policy.
SPECIALIST KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS:
The following knowledge and skills are required to be utilised:

Thorough knowledge of urban growth and rural planning in a local government context including,
trends, theories, methodologies and skills related to these.

Knowledge of relevant Government policy and the planning role of Local, State and Federal
Governments.

Well-developed skills in statistical analysis, research methods and ability to appraise information
both statistical and written.

Knowledge of and ability to interpret State planning legislation and State strategic planning policy
with a good understanding and knowledge of the Victorian Planning and Environment Act, Victorian
Planning Provisions etc.

Ability to provide a strategic perspective to the consideration of individual development proposals.

A working knowledge and experience with growth area planning.

An understanding of the long term goals of the wider organisation and its values and aspiration of
the legal and political context in which it operates.

Knowledge of and familiarity with the principles and practices of budgeting and relevant accounting
and financial procedures may be required.
MANAGEMENT SKILLS:
The following management skills are required to be utilised:

High level skills in managing time and setting priorities to achieve a broad range of outcomes within
broad parameters and with little day to day direction.

Demonstrated ability to work with minimal supervision and organise one’s own work and where
appropriate that of other employees so as to achieve specific and set objectives in the most efficient
way possible within the resources available and within a set timetable despite conflicting pressures.

Demonstrated ability or capacity to mentor staff and contribute to the development and
implementation of long term staffing strategies.

Demonstrated ability to set and achieve goals and objectives.

Demonstrated ability to lead a project team or working party to desired outcomes and ability to set
and achieve goals and objectives.
Position Description Template - For current version refer to the Intranet. Printed copy
for immediate use only – printed 31 July 2017.
Approved By: EMT
Approval Date: 11 March 2011
Author: Human Resources
Review Date: 11 March 2013
Page 5 of 7
INTERPERSONAL SKILLS:
The following interpersonal skills are required to be demonstrated:

Ability to identify stakeholder/customer needs and expectations, decide appropriate action and
respond accordingly.

Well developed skills in negotiation and conflict resolution with the ability to deal with difficult
situations and present a positive Council image.

Ability to gain co-operation with Council staff, relevant Government agencies, consultants, property
developers, community groups and the general public from diverse backgrounds and cultures.

Ability to operate in a teamwork environment and provide a mentor role to other staff.

Well developed oral and written communication skills.
QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE:
The following qualifications and experience are required for the position:

Tertiary qualifications in urban and regional planning or related fields.

Substantial experience in the preparation and implementation of strategy plans and planning policies
in both an urban growth environment and rural context.

Demonstrated experience and understanding of the Victoria Planning Provisions including the
preparation of planning scheme amendments, as well as planning reform principles.

Substantial experience in urban policy research, management and development.

Experience in the development of community consultation programs.

Specialist skills and knowledge of growth area planning.

Current Drivers Licence.
VARIATION TO CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:
These conditions of employment, your duties and your location may be varied by Council during the term
of your employment.
The Terms and Conditions in this Position Description are to be read in conjunction with the General
Terms and Conditions of Employment.
AGREEMENT:
I hereby accept and agree to the duties in this Position Description. I understand that this Position
Description is to be read in conjunction with the General Terms and Conditions of Employment and I
agreed to abide by the terms and conditions stipulated therein.
Name (Please print):
Date:
Position Description Template - For current version refer to the Intranet. Printed copy
for immediate use only – printed 31 July 2017.
Approved By: EMT
Approval Date: 11 March 2011
Author: Human Resources
Review Date: 11 March 2013
Page 6 of 7
Signature:
SELECTION CRITERIA:
Selection will be based on the following Selection Criteria, however, reference will also be made to other
listed skills, knowledge and attributes as required in the Position Description:
1. Tertiary qualifications in urban and regional planning or related fields.
2. Substantial senior level experience in the preparation and implementation of high-level strategy
plans and planning policies in both an urban growth environment and rural context.
3. Demonstrated planning experience in a growth area-planning environment.
4. Demonstrated experience of the Victorian Planning System including the preparation of high level
planning scheme amendments and planning reform principles.
5. High level knowledge of and ability to interpret State planning legislation and State strategic planning
policy with a good understanding and knowledge of the Planning and Environment Act and Victoria
Planning Provisions.
6. Highly developed skills in oral and written communication and the demonstrated capacity to mentor
subordinate staff.
7. Highly developed skills in negotiation and conflict resolution.
8. Experience in high level urban policy research, management and development.
9. High level project management skills.
Current Drivers Licence
Position Description Template - For current version refer to the Intranet. Printed copy
for immediate use only – printed 31 July 2017.
Approved By: EMT
Approval Date: 11 March 2011
Author: Human Resources
Review Date: 11 March 2013
Page 7 of 7