Land Use and Approvals Advisor

ABOUT THE ROLE

The Port Development division is seeking a Land Use Planning and Approvals Advisor to join the Port Capacity Enhancement Program (PCEP) team. Reporting to the Head of Land Use Planning and Compliance, this role plays a critical part in supporting the successful delivery of one of Victoria's most significant infrastructure programs.

The Land Use Planning and Approvals Advisor is responsible for supporting the planning, environmental and statutory approvals activities required to deliver PCEP and broader Port of Melbourne development initiatives. Working closely with internal stakeholders, government agencies, consultants and project teams, the role helps coordinate approval pathways, manage planning requirements and provide advice to support informed decision-making across the program.

The role is responsible for coordinating planning permit, consent and approval applications, reviewing planning, environmental and heritage studies, monitoring legislative and policy developments, and preparing submissions in response to government planning initiatives and external development proposals. The position also supports stakeholder engagement activities, consultant management and strategic planning initiatives that promote and protect the long-term operation and growth of the Port.

To be considered for this role, you will bring experience in land use planning, statutory approvals, environmental planning or a related field, ideally within an infrastructure, transport, industrial, development or government environment. You will possess a strong understanding of Victorian planning legislation and approvals frameworks, demonstrated experience coordinating planning and environmental approvals, and the ability to build positive relationships across a broad stakeholder group. Strong written communication, project management and organisational skills are essential, along with the ability to manage competing priorities in a complex and dynamic environment. Experience working on major infrastructure projects and preparing planning, environmental or heritage approval documentation will be highly regarded.

APPLY NOW!

For immediate consideration, please click "Apply Now" and submit your application outlining your suitability against the requirements of the attached Position Description.

Applications Close: Thursday 15th October 2026

 

• Opportunity to work on a once in a generation infrastructure program

• Strategic planning and approvals role supporting major port development

• Competitive salary package + incentive

 

 

Join Port of Melbourne, Australia's largest container and automotive port, and help shape the future of Victoria's most important trade gateway.

 

Port of Melbourne is delivering the Port Capacity Enhancement Program (PCEP), a multibillion-dollar investment that will support Victoria's growing economy for decades to come. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to a major infrastructure project while supporting the long-term growth of the port.

 

 

Reporting to the Head of Land Use Planning and Compliance, the Land Use Planning and Approvals Advisor will support statutory planning and approvals activities associated with PCEP and broader Port of Melbourne operations.

 

You will provide planning advice, coordinate approval processes, engage with government agencies and key stakeholders, and contribute to strategic planning outcomes that protect and enhance the Port's long-term interests.

 

 

• Support planning and approval processes for PCEP

• Review planning, environmental and heritage studies

• Coordinate planning permits, consents and approvals

• Monitor legislative, regulatory and policy developments

• Prepare submissions and responses to government initiatives

• Build relationships with government agencies, consultants and stakeholders

• Represent Port of Melbourne in external forums and working groups

• Assist with consultant management and project delivery activities

• Provide planning advice to internal stakeholders

• Support strategic initiatives that promote long-term port growth

 

 

• Minimum five years' experience in land use planning, approvals or a related field

• Strong understanding of Victorian planning legislation and approval processes

• Experience working on infrastructure, transport, industrial or development projects

• Experience coordinating planning and environmental approvals

• Strong stakeholder engagement and communication skills

• Ability to manage competing priorities and work collaboratively across teams

 

 

• Knowledge of Victoria's planning and approvals framework, including relevant planning, marine, heritage and environmental legislation

• Experience supporting infrastructure projects through approvals processes

• Strong project management and organisational skills

• Ability to build trusted relationships with internal and external stakeholders

• Experience preparing planning, heritage and environmental approval documentation will be highly regarded

• Experience working within or alongside government planning authorities will be highly regarded

• Eligibility for membership with PIA and/or VPELA will be highly regarded

 

If you think you have what it takes, but don't necessarily meet every requirement, we'd still love to hear from you.