State-wide changes to DA submissions adds inconvenience, says Eurobodalla council

This means the role of councils remains unchanged but all applications will have to be lodged online rather than over the counter.

While the process has changed, applicants will now also have to fork over an additional $40 to the state government upon lodgement on the portal.

Anyone wanting to submit these applications to councils for assessment from the date of effect will need to head to the NSW government Planning Portal, create an account and upload digital files, which will then be made available to council planning staff for assessment.

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The NSW Government states the move is to "drive the digital transformation of all planning services", however Eurobodalla council (who are already accepting e-lodgement) said it is an added inconvenience for customers and council staff.

"We've been accepting e-lodgement without any additional charges since 2019, so this change is simply adding additional costs and inconvenience to our customers," Eurobodalla Council's planning director Lindsay Usher said.

"We know it's going to be particularly challenging for people who still submit hardcopy DAs - which is still around a third of our customers.

"We lobbied long and hard against this change, however our frustrations went unheard. What we'd like to see is for councils to be able to 'opt in' to this service, rather than being forced by the change in legislation."

A spokesperson from Shoalhaven City Council said the council can see the long-term benefits of a standardised, integrated digital system.

"Shoalhaven City Council has been using electronic lodgement of development applications for a number of years and have been using the NSW Government Planning Portal since January 2021 with advice/assistance being provided to customers over this period," said the spokesperson.

"As with anything new, it is a learning experience for council and customers and we anticipate functionality and customer experience will improve over time as the state is committed to rolling out and enhancing e-planning."

Eurobodalla council asked those considering submitting a DA to get in contact with their Development Help Desk first on 4474 1231 to ensure their application is complete, and all requirements are addressed, prior to lodgement.

Access to computers and Wi-Fi to complete electronic lodgement is available at Eurobodalla and Shoalhaven Libraries. Anyone needing assistance using the NSW Government Planning Portal will need to contact Service NSW on 1300 305 695 or email info@service.nsw.gov.au

Applications that must be submitted through the NSW Planning Portal from 1 July 2021 include:

For more information and to register for the Planning Portal, visit planningportal.nsw.gov.au