Title:  Planning Lead

We bring the energy! 

Through purpose and people - not just through the infrastructure we operate, but through the way we show up for each other, our customers’ and our communities. The future of energy is in our hands. Let’s shape it together. 

Are you ready to shape the future of energy?

Your contributions as a recognised specialist will help shape Australia’s energy future, delivering impactful solutions in an evolving energy landscape. 

We’re entering an exciting phase of growth, and we’re looking for a Planning Lead to help us lead the way. 

As the Planning Lead, you will provide expert guidance on statutory planning, approvals and regulatory compliance.  This role is instrumental in driving the successful planning and delivery of major projects on the regulated transmission network.  With deep technical knowledge and strategic insight, you will contribute significantly to best-practice planning processes, ensure regulatory alignment and support sustainable infrastructure development. 

This role is based in Southbank and is part of our Engagement, Land & Planning team within our Transmission line of business. 

What you’ll be doing in this role: 

• Lead and direct the planning team in evaluating project brief documents, ensuring the identification of key requirements related to land and easement acquisition, planning and environmental approvals and regulatory compliance 

• Conduct comprehensive reviews of statutory planning documentation, assessing relevant terms and conditions and compiling detailed reports to inform project teams 

• Manage the statutory planning process, ensuring the successful acquisition of complex planning and environmental approvals in Victoria for transmission infrastructure projects 

• Coordinate with external consultants, manage permit applications and apply exemptions to streamline planning activities for the regulated network 

• Identify inefficiencies in planning processes, conducting assessments to recommend and implement improvements that enhance regulatory compliance and operational effectiveness 

• Maintain awareness of relevant legislation, laws, regulations, codes and standards 

You don’t need to check every box, however we’re looking for a good combination of: 

• Tertiary qualification in Town Planning, Statutory and/or Environmental Planning or other closely related discipline 

• Demonstrated experience as a Statutory Planner or Advisor or similar  

• Experience within the Energy or Utilities sector  

• Exposure to large-scale linear infrastructure projects  

• Demonstrated SME experience in the Victorian Planning Scheme and related schedules (EP Act, EPBC and EES process) relevant Victorian and Federal legislation including approval processes developing and managing planning permit applications for land use, works, vegetation removal and subdivisions.  

• Travel: Occasional site visits within rural, urban or regional Victoria 

• Professional body membership:

  • Planning Institute of Australia (PIA) accreditation &/or Victorian Planning and Environmental Law Association(VEPLA) Membership  

The AusNet experience is all about…  

• Growing your impact: We’ll support you to build your career through real opportunities and strong connections. 

• Solving some of the most complex energy challenges of our time: We love unpacking complex challenges in clever ways and looking at things differently.  

• Building an energy future to be proud of: We’re a trusted leader, with deep expertise, driven to do what’s right for our communities and customers.  

We’re committed to building an inclusive culture and a diverse workforce. We believe different perspectives are essential to our success, and we encourage all applicants to apply. If you need any adjustments during the recruitment process, we're happy to discuss how we can support you. 

At AusNet, we bring the energy!  Ready to make your impact? Apply now! 

We will not be engaging with Recruitment agencies for this role, so please apply directly.