New digital platform for all development applications ready to go online

“Most things are done digitally now – the days of paper-based transactions that can only take place during business hours are behind us.”

All NSW councils are required to be using the NSW Planning Portal to lodge development applications and complying development certificates by July 1.

Lodging a planning related application with Ballina Shire Council will move to a digital platform from June 28.

From that date, planning applications will be lodged online via the NSW Planning Portal.

The platform has been developed by the NSW State Government and is already being used by a number of councils across NSW.

Hardcopy documents or documents emailed to council for lodgement will no longer be accepted after June 28.

Customers wishing to lodge applications will need to lodge online at planningportal.nsw.gov.au.

The use of the portal will apply to the following applications and certificates:

Development Applications

• Section 4.55 Modification Applications
• Construction Certificate Applications
• Complying Development Certificates
• Occupation Certificates
• Section 68 Applications
• Section 138 Applications
• Subdivision Certificate Applications
• Subdivision Works Certificate Applications
• Principal Certifier Applications

Councils in regional NSW will share $4.8 million in grants to help them process move towards the online platform for development applications online.

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Rob Stokes said all 96 regional councils will receive $50,000 under the Regional NSW Planning Portal Grant program to assist them in transitioning to the digital ePlanning system.

“Our ePlanning platform offers an online tool where people can access planning services and lodge and track the progress of applications from anywhere, at any time,” Mr Stokes said.

“We need to help councils update their processes in line with community expectations. Most things are done digitally now – the days of paper-based transactions that can only take place during business hours are behind us.

All NSW councils are required to be using the NSW Planning Portal to lodge development applications and complying development certificates by July 1, in line with a 2019 mandate by the Premier.

Information about development proposals and their assessments will also remain available to the community through Council’s DA online portal da.ballina.nsw.gov.au.