By Jaqquline Lawrie, 16 February, 2026
Karley Lawler is helping shape Queensland. With a career spanning local and state government, she’s built deep expertise in town planning and environmental strategy, rising from a hands-on technical role to her current position as the Acting Executive Director Planning Services.
We recently caught up with Karley to learn more about her career journey — from a hands-on role in local council to leading strategy at the state level.
Entering the Urban Planning Industry
With a passion for the natural environment and a Bachelor of Science under her belt, Karley quickly saw how policy could influence real-world outcomes.
“One of my undergraduate majors was environmental policy and economics, so I had that early insight into how legislation impacts decision-making,” said Karley.
“It made me realise that to make real change, you need to both understand and enact the legislation — that’s what led me to planning.
“I saw it as a way to be more effective in the environmental space.”
Karley began her career at the City of Gold Coast Council in an entry-level role on the environmental planning team.
“It was very technical — we were hands-on with everything from arborists and rehabilitation to acid sulphate soils and stormwater management."
As her career progressed, Karley was offered a role in the town planning space, where she was able to apply her specialised knowledge in science and environmental systems to drive positive change.
“I moved into town planning, and with my science background, I was able to run whole applications myself — from environmental assessments to large subdivisions,” she said.
“That period was the beginning of the Gold Coast’s urbanisation, so was able to help establish lots of outcomes in terms of the environmental aspects.”
After building significant experience in in town planning, Karley reached a point where there was limited room to grow within the planning department. That led her to make a bold step into a more senior role in the open space planning team.
“Working in the open space team as the Coordinator for Open Space Planning was incredible,” said Karley.
“I got to set strategy and acquire land across the whole city, deliver environmental offsets in parks and deliver projects like your big play parks — not just tables and chairs, but places people love.”
Transitioning from a Technical Role to one in Leadership
Building on her technical expertise, Karley took the next step in her leadership journey — accepting the role of Manager of Planning (South East Queensland South Region) at the Queensland Department of State Development, Infrastructure, Local Government and Planning.
To support this transition, she began exploring professional development opportunities that could complement her technical background with formal leadership training. That’s when she came across the QUT Public Sector Management Program (PSMP).
The QUT PSMP is a dynamic program tailored for mid-level managers in the Australian public service and non-Government organisations (NGOs). Developed in consultation with all levels of government, the program reflects current public service priorities and equips sector professionals with the strategic expertise and leadership skills needed to advance their careers.
“When I found the Public Sector Commission (PSC) scholarship for the QUT PSMP, I recognised it as a valuable opportunity to gain practical skills and insights that could really support my work” said Karley.
“Coming from a background in science and planning, I’d never formally studied leadership or how to navigate the public sector.”
After receiving the PSC scholarship and enrolling in the program, Karley was initially nervous about returning to study — especially after several years in the workforce and while raising a young family. However, those fears quickly faded. Speaking to her initial experience, she said, “Once I got started, it wasn’t hard at all.”
“The systems were simple, and the support from lecturers and facilitators made a big difference,” continued Karley.
“After completing the first assignment, it all clicked.
“I even found myself applying what I learned at work straight away.”
For Karley, the QUT PSMP proved not only manageable — but immediately applicable.
“From day one, I was gaining practical tools I could use and implement straight away,” she said.
“Every part of the program was valuable—there wasn’t a single moment where I thought, ‘That was a waste of time.’
“I kept finding things I could apply immediately to my workplace.”
Shortly after completing the program, Karley accelerated her career — moving from a managerial role into a senior leadership position as Director Planning Services.
“The program helped me demonstrate I had the capability to operate at that more senior level,” she said.
“It really developed me as a leader, and my perspective on leadership has greatly evolved.
“I’ve realised that even if you don’t have all the technical skills, you can still step into leadership roles.
“It’s about putting the right structure in place and working with the people who do.”
Now, less than a year on from completing the program, Karley has taken another significant step.
“I was recently given the opportunity to act in the Executive Director Planning Services role,” she said.
“It’s another big step in my leadership journey and a real opportunity for learning and growth.”
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