{{indexingdisabled}} Strathfield Council Briefing Document - Director Planning & Environment - Other key economic drivers within or near Strathfield include Sydney Markets, the largest fruit and vegetable market in Australia, and the facilities at Sydney Olympic Park. The LGA also benefits from a strong education presence, including the Australian Catholic University, University of Sydney (Faculty of Health Sciences) and TAFE NSW, contributing to a highly educated community, with 45% of residents holding university qualifications. - FlowPaper FlipBook

Contents

  1. BRIEFING DOCUMENT DIRECTOR PLANNING & ENVIRONMENT
  2. TABLE OF CONTENTS
  3. GENERAL MANAGERS WELCOME
    1. Strathfield Council is a medium sized Council located in the heart of Sydney’s Inner West. The area of the Council comprises approximately 14 square kilometres and has an estimated population of 46,000 residents, which is growing at 2.5-3% annually. Based on NSW Government projections, the population will increase to over 60,000 by 2041.
    2. Strathfield is currently preparing for significant change to key urban areas. The Homebush Transport Oriented Development (TOD) Masterplan has unlocked the potential for an additional 40,000 residents across the precinct within a setting of high rise living. Council is preparing to meet this growth through a targeted focus on improving the quality of our town centres, planning for the delivery of new open space and community service, and putting systems in place to meet the demands of this future growth.
    3. The Strathfield Local Government Area includes the suburbs of Strathfield (postcode 2135), Strathfield South (2136), Homebush (2140), Homebush West (2140) and part of Greenacre (2190). Sydney Markets is also located within Strathfield Local Government Area and has its own postcode, 2129.
    4. The indigenous people of Strathfield are the Wangal clan of the Darug tribe, though little remains of the former Aboriginal history of this area as any visible relics of indigenous occupation such as open campsites, axe grinding grooves and scarred trees are likely to have been removed as the Strathfield district was urbanised from the 1800s.
  5. 6 STRATHFIELD BRIEFING DOCUMENT - DIRECTOR PLANNING & ENVIRONMENT
    1. Strathfield LGA contains significant industrial and commercial areas and is a strategic location for business and industry within the Greater Sydney region. The LGA provides approximately 23,349 local jobs and has 7,389 registered businesses. Its estimated Gross Regional Product (GRP) is $4.01 billion, reflecting its strong and diverse local economy.
    2. The largest employing industry is transport, postal and warehousing (16%), followed by retail trade (12%), education and training (10%), construction (9%) and wholesale trade (8%). These industries highlight Strathfield’s role as a key logistics, retail and service centre within the metropolitan area.
    3. Around 63% of Strathfield residents participate in the labour force (2021). The primary industries of employment for residents include construction (16%), rental, hiring and real estate services (16%), transport, postal and warehousing (11%), professional, scientific and technical services (11%) and health care and social assistance (10%), demonstrating a diverse and skilled workforce.
    4. Strathfield’s industrial and commercial areas provide strategic links to the metropolitan economy, offering access to high-value consumer markets locally and across Sydney, as well as key distribution networks and supply chain infrastructure. Major road connections include Parramatta Road/Great Western Highway, the M4 Western Motorway, the M5 South Western Motorway and Liverpool Road/Hume Highway, supporting the efficient movement of goods and people.
  7. The LGA also supports major rail infrastructure, facilitating significant passenger and freight movement across Greater Sydney. Strathfield includes key railway stations at Strathfield, Homebush and Flemington, which are located on the Western rail line and provide strong connectivity to regional and metropolitan destinations. Freight movement through the LGA connects supplier and distribution channels to key export terminals, including Port Botany.
  8. The Enfield Intermodal Logistics Centre (EILC) in Strathfield South supports metropolitan freight demand and is a key trade gateway connecting businesses in New South Wales to national and global markets.
  9. Other key economic drivers within or near Strathfield include Sydney Markets, the largest fruit and vegetable market in Australia, and the facilities at Sydney Olympic Park. The LGA also benefits from a strong education presence, including the Australian Catholic University, University of Sydney (Faculty of Health Sciences) and TAFE NSW, contributing to a highly educated community, with 45% of residents holding university qualifications.
  10. Strathfield contains a network of shopping and town centre precincts, ranging from the major Strathfield Town Centre to smaller centres including Homebush, Homebush West, Strathfield South and Cave Road, as well as the Sydney Markets precinct. These centres are generally located near transport interchanges and provide a range of retail, services, dining and social opportunities for the community.
  11. 10 STRATHFIELD BRIEFING DOCUMENT - DIRECTOR PLANNING & ENVIRONMENT
    1. Annual Projects & Priorities Key challenges and opportunities:
    2. Future growth Location and transport
    3. Trees and urban forest
    4. Villages and centres
    5. Social cohesion and engaged communities
    6. Waste management
    7. Climate adaptation strategy
    8. Resilience planning Responsible management of Council
      1. Commence a Masterplan for Homebush West
      2. Exhibit a draft Masterplan for Strathfield Town Centre
      3. Commence preparation of Masterplan for the Driving Range precinct at Hudson Park
      4. Complete a review of the S7.11 plan
    1. POSITION TITLE & NUMBER: Director Planning & Environment TOTAL DIRECTORATE: ~50+
    2. POSITION PURPOSE / JOB SUMMARY The Director plays a crucial role in linking the Planning & Environment Directorate with the General Manager, ensuring the Council’s objectives are delivered efficiently, effectively, and to the highest quality.
    3. This position oversees key areas within the directorate and leads a team of professionals dedicated to executing Council priorities. Additionally, the Director assists the General Manager in promoting a positive image of Strathfield Council and maintaining strong public relations.
    4. In the context of anticipated and planned future population growth, the Director will have responsibility for developing a narrative that will support purposeful change that benefits the entirety of the Local Government Area (LGA). This will involve engagement with external government and non-government stakeholders to advocate for exceptional outcomes and targeted investment in Strathfield.
    5. A significant responsibility of the Director is managing the budgetary framework, ensuring alignment with the Community Strategic Plan, Delivery Program, Operational Plans, and associated strategies. This financial oversight supports the Council’s ability to meet its goals in a structured and sustainable manner.
    6. The primary purpose of the Director Planning & Environment position is to provide strategic leadership and direction across the Planning & Place and Resilience, Compliance & Commercial teams, ensuring alignment with Council’s vision, values, and Community Strategic Plan.
    7. This role is responsible for developing and implementing strategic plans and policies, fostering stakeholder engagement, and promoting a culture of professionalism and customer focus. The Director, Planning & Environment oversees compliance with statutory requirements and achievement of strategic targets, while also managing
    8. financial and operational efficiency within approved budgets. Additionally, the role ensures the effective delivery of planning, development, public health, commercial ventures, and environmental services, contributing to the sustainable management of Council.
    1. Provide high-level strategic leadership across the Planning & Environment Directorate to ensure delivery of integrated outcomes in line with the Community Strategic Plan (Strathfield 2040).
    2. Contribute to the development of a strong growth narrative for Strathfield that reflects community aspiration, economic potential, and environmental sustainability.
    3. Lead the development, review and implementation of key strategic plans including the LEP, DCP, LSPS, contributions plans, precinct masterplans, biodiversity, and resilience strategies.
    4. Establish governance systems to support effective service delivery, compliance, innovation, and customer service.
    5. Drive a positive culture focused on accountability, collaboration, and public value.
    6. Offer policy and strategic advice to the General Manager, Executive Team, and councillors.
    7. Ensure the effective management of the Strathfield Local Planning Panel and other external expert panels.
    1. Lead the development and implementation of the Directorate's annual budget, ensuring alignment with Council's Operational Plan, capital works program and financial sustainability.
    2. Ensure effective risk management, legal compliance and reporting frameworks are in place across all service areas.
    3. Lead operational excellence through continuous improvement, performance metrics and innovative service delivery models.
    4. Manage significant procurement processes, contracts, and partnerships.
    1. Oversee all functions related to development assessment, statutory planning, heritage protection and urban design.
    2. Be a champion for design excellence in new development and projects that supports the continued reputation for Strathfield as an excellent place to live, work and visit.
    3. Ensure timely and legally compliant development approvals in line with legislative requirements, ministerial expectations and community aspirations.
    4. Lead planning reforms that reflect growth needs while enhancing heritage, amenity, and urban character.
    1. Oversee regulatory and compliance services, including environmental health, building compliance, ranger operations, parking enforcement, and public health services.
    2. Lead circular economy and waste reduction initiatives, biosecurity programs and environmental sustainability policies.
    3. Support and manage commercial ventures such as Hudson Park Driving Range and other income-generating services.
    4. Champion Council's climate adaptation and resilience programs and associated strategies.
    1. Build strong and trusted relationships with the community, government agencies, developers, and industry groups.
    2. Engage with stakeholders to co-design local solutions, mitigate conflict, and promote inclusive planning outcomes.
    3. Represent Council in key forums, inquiries, panels, and regulatory consultations.
    4. Foster a reputation for transparency, professionalism, and responsiveness.
    5. Support advocacy for continued investment in Strathfield that is responsive to growth and community needs.
    1. Tertiary qualifications in Land Use Planning, Law, Environmental Management, Public Health, or a related field.
    2. Substantial experience as a senior executive in a complex, multi-disciplinary organisation, preferably in local or state government.
    3. Demonstrated ability to lead large teams, deliver organisational change and build positive culture.
    4. Knowledge in delivering integrated land use, development, compliance, or sustainability strategies.
    5. High-level communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills, including political acumen.
    6. Strong community engagement and stakeholder management experience.
    7. Excellent analytical, conceptual, and problem-solving skills under pressure.
    8. Experience managing budgets, financial systems, and operational performance.
    9. Understanding of NSW planning and environmental legislation and regulatory frameworks.
    10. Availability to attend evening meetings and weekend community engagements.
    1. Postgraduate qualifications in public administration, management, or allied field (e.g. urban design, environmental engineering).
    2. Experience in strategic waste management, sustainability, resilience strategy development.
    3. Familiarity with Developer Contributions, Affordable Housing or Climate Adaptation Planning.
    1. Closing Date: 9th July 2026
    1. T: 02 9146 6660 E: [email protected]
    2. Gareth Broadrick
    3. Tamar Aslanian
 
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