POSITION TITLE
CASBE PLANNING OFFICER
BACKGROUND
The Council Alliance for a Sustainable Built Environment (CASBE) is an association of Victorian
councils committed to the creation of a more sustainable built environment both within and beyond
their municipalities. CASBE is an unincorporated governance system auspiced by the Municipal
Association of Victoria (MAV).
The association’s focus is on applying ecologically sustainable development (ESD) principles to
the built environment through the statutory planning system. The Alliance originally formed around
the joint implementation, promotion and support of the Sustainable Design Assessment in the
Planning Process (SDAPP) framework.
The SDAPP framework refers to the consistent inclusion of key environmental performance
considerations into the planning permit approvals process in order to achieve more sustainable
outcomes for the long-term benefit of the wider community. The SDAPP framework was initiated
around 2006 and the number of councils adopting and implementing the SDAPP framework has
been expanding since. In 2009, the councils involved identified the need to establish a more formal
alliance, with CASBE now fulfilling this role.
To facilitate a greater uptake of SDAPP throughout Victoria, CASBE provides support through
council briefings, one-on-one support, example documentation (referral triggers, brochures, etc),
officer and industry training and regular CASBE meetings, all included within a network of
committed local government representatives.
While the primary role of CASBE is related to the SDAPP programme, the Alliance has also
provided assistance to councils in incorporating ESD into council-managed buildings and capital
works projects and advocates for improved ESD measures in the Victoria Planning Provisions and
other relevant legislation.
CASBE provides a forum:
 For the exchange of information, innovation and best practice in ESD to effectively represent
and advocate the collective views of member councils.
 For strengthening partnerships between member councils, relevant agencies and industry.
 To provide leadership in advocacy and ESD policy and practice.
BESS, the Built Environment Sustainability Scorecard, is an online sustainable design tool for
assessing the environmental performance of buildings at the planning permit stage. BESS has
been developed by CASBE and its members for local government in Victoria. BESS is funded
through a subscription model – councils pay an annual fee so that BESS is available for use by
planning permit applicants within their municipality.
BESS is purpose built for the SDAPP framework and the Environmentally Sustainable Design local
planning policy. BESS was created by the same group of councils who developed these planning
instruments, and is consistent with their structure and requirements. The primary user group for
BESS is planning permit applicants (industry). BESS guides users through each of the reportable
SDAPP categories, and produces a report to demonstrate best practice compliance.
BESS is found at www.bess.net.au
CASBE Planning Officer Position Description rev November 2016
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The position is funded by CASBE members and supported by the Municipal Association of Victoria
(MAV). It is located within the MAV, which has a commitment to employing people who are
passionate about the work they do and about local government. The MAV is the peak statutory body
for Victoria's 79 councils.
The MAV is a driving and influential force behind a strong and strategically positioned local
government sector. Its role, broadly speaking, is to represent and advocate the interests of local
government, lobby for a 'fairer deal' for councils, raise the sector's profile, ensure its long-term
security and provide policy advice, strategic advice, capacity building programs and insurance
services to local government.
The success of the MAV stems from its people and the Association has prided itself on building a
quality team of staff and consultants to ensure that the needs of its members are met, and that the
MAV is well positioned to fulfil its purpose. The staffing profile of the MAV has a mixture of:


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staff funded from membership subscription whose primary focus is policy support and advice,
capacity-building programs and the representation of Victorian councils;
staff funded from State or Commonwealth grants to deliver specific programs and support to
Victorian councils;
specialist consultants to supplement the skills of the staff within the organisation and provide
support across a range of functions including finance, insurance scheme management and
business development.
CASBE Planning Officer Position Description rev November 2016
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The purpose of this document is to clearly articulate the key responsibility and accountability areas
for this position.
TOTAL
EMPLOYMENT
COST
The salary will be around $24,000 per annum + 9.5% super ($60,000 prorata), depending on experience and qualifications.
REPORTS TO
CASBE Executive Officer
DIRECT
REPORTS
None
OTHER KEY
RELATIONSHIPS
INTERNAL – MAV
 Environment Team
 Planning Team
 MAV Manager – Planning, Building and Infrastructure
EXTERNAL
 CASBE member councils
 Broader Victorian and national local government sector
 State Government agencies
CONTRACT
PERIOD
This 0.4 EFT position (2 days per week) will be offered for a contracted
period of 12 months, being the 2017 calendar year, with the possibility of
contract renewal subject to available funding. The position is subject to a six
month probationary period from commencement date.
HOURS
This position is for an equivalent 0.4 EFT position (2 days per week),
however there can be some flexibility around when the hours are worked. It
is expected that communication will be attended to on a weekly basis,
however the flow of work may alter from time to time.
LOCATION
This role will be based at the offices of the Municipal Association of Victoria
(MAV) at 12/60 Collins Street, Melbourne, however flexible working
arrangements will also be considered.
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THE POSITION
PURPOSE AND
KEY DUTIES
The objectives of the CASBE Planning Officer role are:
1. To co-ordinate the delivery of key planning related projects and
initiatives undertaken by CASBE.
2. To research and analyse the impact that CASBE’s work is having on
built environment outcomes in Victoria through the planning system.
3. Provide advice and support to local government in relevant areas of
policy and strategy
4. To provide administration support to the CASBE Executive Officer
and BESS Manager. This would include preparing meeting
documentation and providing assistance with the administration of
the BESS Training.
POSITION SPECIFICATION – SELECTION CRITERIA
SELECTION
CRITERIA
The position requires:
1. Outstanding written and verbal communication skills, with the ability
to clearly and concisely articulate views
2. Excellent Project Management skills
3. Experience in land use planning, preferably in local government
4. Excellent research, analytical and critical reasoning skills
5. Strong self-management capability and ability to work autonomously
6. Excellent organisational skills including prioritisation and time
management
7. Ability to work collaboratively.
8. Administration skills.
An interest in sustainable design would be advantageous.
DESIRABLE/
REQUIRED
QUALIFICATIONS
1. Tertiary qualifications in Public Policy, Planning or Environmental policy,
or related discipline are highly desirable.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
EQUAL
EMPLOYMENT
OPPORTUNITY
The MAV is an EEO employer committed to fairness, diversity and respect.
OCCUPATIONAL
HEALTH AND
SAFETY
In the context of Occupational Health and Safety policies, procedures,
training, and instruction, employees are responsible for ensuring that they:
 Follow reasonable instruction
 Cooperate with their employer
 Comply with all legislative requirements and MAV policies in relation to
OHS.
 At all times, take reasonable care for the safety of others in the workplace
PRIVACY NOTIFICATION
The MAV is bound by Victorian privacy laws. For information on the relevant privacy practices contact Alison
Lyon at [email protected], 03 9667 5555.
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