Environment & Planning Approvals Senior Officer
Applications closing on 04 August 2025, 09:00 AM
About the Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Authority
The Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Authority is the dedicated Victorian Government entity entrusted with the care, protection, and sustainable management of one of Australia’s most breathtaking and culturally significant coastal regions. Established under the Great Ocean Road and Environs Protection Act 2020, the Authority was created to address the complex and fragmented management of the coastline and ensure the long-term conservation of this iconic landscape.
By November 2025, the Authority will be responsible for managing more than 170,000 hectares of coastal reserves, National Parks, Marine Sanctuaries, and foreshores stretching along 355 kilometres of stunning coastline. This includes high-profile sites such as the Twelve Apostles Visitor Experience Precinct and Cape Otway Lightstation, as well as local ports, community reserves, and critical marine environments.
At the heart of its work is a commitment to protect the unique environmental, cultural, heritage, and community values of the region. The Authority partners deeply with Traditional Owners, local communities, and stakeholders to integrate cultural knowledge, ensure environmental stewardship, support sustainable visitation, and build lasting benefits for regional economies and generations to come.
About the Planning & Climate Action and Resilience Team:
The Planning & Climate Action and Resilience Team consists of two sub-teams: one specializing in coastal adaptation planning and coastal projects, and the other in environmental and planning approvals. Our work encompasses long-term strategic planning to address climate change and coastal hazard impacts, as well as short-term responses. The team also provides guidance on statutory planning, ensuring compliance with relevant legislation and policy, and development of approval applications.
Purpose of the position:
The Environment and Planning Approvals Senior Officer is responsible for preparing, reviewing, and lodging a wide range of statutory environmental and planning approvals required for the delivery of capital and operational projects across the Authority's portfolios. The role works closely with the Planning, Commercial, Coastal Operations, and Capital Works teams to undertake planning due diligence on proposed projects and provide advice to ensure projects align with all related policy, strategy, and statutory requirements for use and development of Crown land and delivering relevant project planning approvals.
Primary responsibilities:
The key responsibilities of the Environment and Planning Approvals Senior Officer include:
* Prepare clear, concise, timely, and accurate technical planning advice (internal and external) to ensure the organization aligns with best practice coastal and parks management.
* Prepare and submit statutory planning and permit applications and oversee, where required, the discharging of conditions.
* Plan small to medium specialist projects, and provide support to initiatives and programs through the provision of technical planning advice.
* Participate in and assist with marine and coastal planning projects and tasks, including strategic reviews to improve process and policy outcomes.
* Develop and implement planning initiatives and systems to maintain consistency and transparency.
* Design, coordinate, and provide education and training to various stakeholders on public land administration requirements and planning approvals.
* Provide technical support on legislative and non-statutory framework obligations associated with transitioning land parcels (e.g., National Parks Act) and the Authority’s expanding functions/powers.
* Prepare complex reports and briefs requiring in-depth factual analysis to support planning decisions and submissions.
* Liaise and consult with partner agencies, stakeholders, and rights holders on planning matters to ensure the Authority contributes to and/or leads initiatives (e.g., legislative/policy/strategy reforms).
* Provide guidance and lead communications with internal and external stakeholders and customers, preparing correspondence and responding to planning queries.
* Maintain a sound understanding of cultural heritage checks and assessments.
Qualifications and experience:
* Degree or formal qualification in statutory planning, environmental planning, coastal management, or a related discipline.
* Demonstrated work history (minimum five years) in a comparable role.
Knowledge and skills:
* Advanced proficiency and knowledge of the Marine and Coastal Approval process, including the Marine and Coastal Act, the Planning and Environment Act, and other relevant legislation, practices, and trends.
* Strong analytical skills, including the ability to interpret technical advice, anticipate problems, and implement actions.
* Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal skills, including the ability to communicate and collaborate effectively with staff, the public, consultants, and statutory authorities.
* Strong problem-solving and analytical skills with the ability to troubleshoot issues and find solutions.
* Demonstrated time management and organizational skills with the ability to prioritize multiple tasks in a timely and efficient manner.
* Apply sound judgment to enable quality decisions, consistency, and accountability.
* Convey confidence in maintaining partnerships with a range of stakeholders (both external and internal) to achieve optimal outcomes.
* Demonstrated ability to work as a productive team member, often working to strict deadlines on projects, with the capacity to develop a culture of continuous improvement.
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