Just wondering what everyone's opinions are of this?

I am just going into my third year of full time phd study, over the past year i have been working as an hourly paid lecturer at my university, which i have thoroughly enjoyed and hoped that i could continue in september. However, as there is no guarantee of this position being renewed, and it only runs early october - June, i was hoping to get a more permanent / full time position.

Yes or no, depending on your specific circumstances. I have a friend who is in her final year and just got offered a job as a lecturer. Her thesis is already in the bag (me = green with envy) and she is just twiddling her thumbs (well, not exactly) so she applied when she saw the position advertised. Other friends in their final year are now applying for postdocs. I think it is the norm to do this in the final year. But you are only just going into your final year... so maybe hold off until you are mid-way / nearer the finish-line? That way your availability to start is more likely to be in line with the required start date for any position...

No harm in looking though, seeing what is out there, and what the starting dates are.

That's my opinion on the matter! All the best!