Make a Submission on a DA

We are currently dealing with an unprecedented surge in DA assessments. If you are lodging a submission on a DA, we’d be grateful for your assistance with the following at this time:

• Use the DA Tracker to get updates on an application progress instead of contacting the planner directly.
• There is no need to follow-up with the planner if you have made a submission.  Using the online form, an immediate confirmation will be sent. If your submission is sent by mail or delivered, it will be acknowledged once the exhibition period has finished.
• Written submissions are always considered in the decision-making process. Your submission can not be received via a telephone call. 
• Multiple contact about submissions is not necessary.
• The planner will not respond directly to you as a result of your submission. Your concerns will be addressed within the assessment report.
• The planner will only make contact with you directly for any clarification if it's required. 

Our Community Participation Plan outlines the number of days an application is on public exhibition.

Submissions must be received at Council by the end date specified in the notification letter or exhibition information on the DA Tracker.

If for some reason you cannot meet this deadline, depending on the circumstances you may request an extension to the exhibition period. This request must be made before the closing date.

Exhibition times are extended over Christmas and Easter periods.

Confidentiality cannot be guaranteed. The Government Information (Public Access) Act 2009 provides measures for possible access to certain documents.

Personal details or affairs will not be made public. It is common practice for representatives of developers to ask for copies of submissions received by Council that either support or oppose the development.

Please refer to Access to Information for further details regarding access to Council held information.

Your submission will be considered by Council staff during the assessment of the development application. 

Development applications must be considered in accordance with the applicable requirements of the:

• Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979
• Environmental Planning and Assessment Regulation 2000
• SEPPs
• Council development policies

In determining a development application Council considers the following matters:

• Provisions of the relevant planning instruments and policies;
• Likely impacts of the proposed development;
• Suitability of the site for the proposal;
• All submissions regarding the proposal that have been made in accordance with the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act and Regulation; and
• The public interest.

You can monitor the status of a development application using the DA Tracker.

If a submission is made, you will be notified when a DA is determined. The determination notice will be uploaded to the DA Tracker.

If approval is granted, the notice sets out conditions required to be met during the development. 

If the development application is refused, the notice sets out the reasons for the refusal.

Where a development application is required to go before a Council meeting for determination by Councillors, you will be advised of the time and date of the meeting, where you have the opportunity to address the Councillors before they make their decision. 

The assessment report and recommendation will be available in meeting agenda on Council’s website approximately one week before the meeting.

Any person who makes a submission regarding a development application to Council is required to disclose all reportable political donations made to any local councillor or any gifts made to any local councillor or employee of council.

This applies to the period commencing two years before the application is made and ending when the application is determined.

You can report donations when completing the DA Submission Form.

For more information refer to Political Donations Disclosure.