Planning portal for lodging DAs to go ‘live' on 1 July

Published: 04 Jun 2021 3:56pm

In three weeks’ time, all development applications within the Wagga Wagga Local Government Area (LGA) must be lodged through the NSW Planning Portal, in line with State Government legislation.

The Planning Portal has been developed as the central electronic platform for all councils across NSW to receive applications.

The mandatory change comes into effect on 1 July 2021 and applies to all individuals, organisations or industry professionals, from home builders, to certifiers, project developers and government agencies.

Manager Development Assessment and Building Certification Paul O’Brien said Council is currently in a training phase to ensure its internal processes are ready for the change.

“All of our regular applicants, such as builders, designers, architects, and HIA are aware of the new process, and a number of them are already using the Planning Portal,” Mr O’Brien said.

“For the broader community, it means hardcopy applications, even if it’s just for a one-off project such as a new shed or pergola, will no longer be accepted at Council’s Customer Service Centre from 1 July.

“We encourage people to talk to their builder or designer and get assistance with lodging their application, as they have the experience with the Planning Portal process.”

Applicants will be required to arrange an account through the Planning Portal, which will require an email address.

The NSW Government’s amended requirements apply to the lodgement of Development Applications (DA), Modification to Consent, Construction Certificates (CC) and Complying Development Certificates (CDC).

For information on how to register for a Planning Portal account, Quick Reference Guides, fact sheets, and links to other resources, visit planningportal.nsw.gov.au/support/applicant-resource

For assistance in account creation, lodgement and other enquiries relating to the portal, email planning.apps@planning.nsw.gov.au or contact Service NSW on 1300 305 695.