Legal Counsel

• Fixed-Term Full-Time (4-year contract) in a senior legal leadership role
• Lead Council's legal strategy across governance, planning & major projects
• Manage complex litigation, risk and compliance in local government
• Attractive salary package ($180k-$220k) based on skills and experience, plus employee benefits

About the Role: 

As Legal Counsel, you will play a key leadership role in providing strategic legal advice and guidance across Townsville City Council's diverse operations. Reporting to the Chief Legal Officer, you will work closely with executive leaders, managers and stakeholders to support sound decision-making, manage legal risk, and ensure compliance across a broad range of complex legal matters. You will also lead and develop a team of legal professionals, fostering a high-performing and customer-focused culture.

This is a unique opportunity to influence outcomes that shape the future of Townsville. The role spans governance, planning and development, major projects, infrastructure, property, contracts, regulatory matters and litigation, providing exposure to high-profile and impactful work. Working at a strategic level, you will help protect Council's interests while delivering practical legal solutions that support community outcomes and organisational success.

About you:

You are a highly experienced legal professional with a proven ability to provide strategic, practical and commercially focused legal advice within a complex operating environment. You bring strong analytical, advocacy and stakeholder engagement skills, exceptional professional integrity, and a proactive approach to managing legal risk. With extensive experience across areas such as governance, litigation, planning and environment law, property, compliance and regulatory matters, you are comfortable advising senior leaders on complex issues and delivering outcomes under pressure. You are also an effective people leader who can develop high-performing teams, build trusted relationships, and contribute to the long-term success and governance of a large organisation. Qualifications in law, admission as a legal practitioner, and substantial post-admission experience are essential.

Townsville City Council is the largest local government authority in Northern Australia. We’re committed to supporting our people through a strong focus on work–life balance, a positive and inclusive culture, and a shared passion for making a meaningful impact in our community.

We have a range of benefits that confirm this commitment:

• Up to 5 weeks annual leave
• Up to 3 weeks Personal/Carers Leave
• 14 weeks paid Parental Leave
• Domestic and Family Violence Leave
• Natural Disaster Leave
• Long Service Leave available pro rata after seven years
• Salary Sacrifice opportunities
• Learning and Development opportunities
• Fitness Passport program offering discounted membership to selected gym, pool, and yoga facilities
• Employee Loyalty Program offering discounts at selected local businesses
• Employee Assistance Program

* The Council contribution to employees' superannuation for contributing employees shall be 13.5% of the employees' ordinary time earnings subject to the employee contributing a minimum of 6% of their ordinary time earnings.

Contact Person:  Heidi

Contact Email:  ••••@townsville.qld.gov.au

Application Close: 11:45pm, Tuesday 29 September 2026.

(for position enquiries only)

How to Apply

Your application can be submitted through the 'Apply' button. Please include a cover letter (maximum 2 pages), outlining how your skills, qualifications and experience would allow you to achieve success in this role. We also will require your resume which should confirm any licences and qualifications your hold.

For further information review the Position Description. 

We are committed to creating a safe and inclusive workplace where diverse styles, backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives are valued, encouraged, and respected. People from diverse backgrounds (including but not limited to, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, people with diverse gender identities and sexualities, people from different cultural and linguistic backgrounds, people with disability, and veterans) are encouraged to apply!

All successful candidates are required to undergo drug and alcohol testing as part of the recruitment process. Please be aware Townsville City Council has a ‘zero tolerance’ policy to drugs and alcohol in the workplace.

If you need any adjustments to be made to the recruitment process or if you would like to discuss any accessibility requirements, please contact ••••@townsville.qld.gov.au or phone 07 •••• •004 for a confidential discussion.