Organisations and individuals lodging development proposals with Council are being reminded to include all required documentation to ensure timely assessment under NSW Government timeframes.
Under the Ministerial Statement of Expectations Order, Shoalhaven Council is required to assess development applications (DAs) within 105 calendar days following lodgement.
Mayor Patricia White said while Council is well positioned to meet the new target, the ability of staff to finalise assessments also hinges on applications being lodged with all the necessary supporting material.
"Council is continuing to work closely with applicants to ensure all required documentation is submitted to help ensure staff are able to assess proposals efficiently and within the timeframes set by the NSW Government," Cr White said.
"By working with industry to improve the quality and completeness of applications, Council's performance targets can be met, and vital infrastructure funding will be unlocked, ensuring we can contribute meaningfully to the delivery of new homes across the city," she said.
"As we enter this new phase of planning reform, it's important that we all adapt to the evolving expectations set by the NSW Government to achieve the best results," she said.
During the 2024-25 financial year, Council successfully achieved the NSW Government's previous target of 110 calendar days for DA assessment times.
The Department of Planning's league table also shows that in 2024-25 Shoalhaven Council received 929 DAs, putting Council in the top 10 for the number of applications lodged.
The result ensures Council is eligible for a share of $67 million in grant funding under round one of the Faster Assessments Incentive Program, to deliver local infrastructure such as roads, open spaces, and community facilities.
Eligible councils will be scored and ranked based on their average assessment timeframes in 2024–25 and their improvement against their average over the previous three years.
The NSW Government is due to announce the successful councils to receive funding, this month.
Successful councils will be contacted by the Department of Planning following completion of the assessment process and asked to nominate an eligible local infrastructure project.
