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Planning approvals
- The Minister for Planning can approve any development under the Act (subject to development standards) and integrate it into the planning system. This can only be made after consulting with the Minister for Health and Medical Research to protect health, safety and welfare of the members of the public during the pandemic.
- Provide that requirements for documents to be available in hard copy or for inspection in premises can be met by being available online.
Altered arrangement for the signature and witnessing of documents – emergency regulations
- Enable the making of regulations that may override current legislation for the signature and witnessing of documents. This allows the introduction of electronic signatures. It can only be made in the interest of health, safety and welfare of persons and where Parliament is not sitting and is unlikely to sit within two weeks.
DEVELOPMENT APPLICATIONS
Councils are still operating during the pandemic and development applications can be lodged either online or via email.
Wollongong City Council – lodge online
As of 24 March 2020, Wollongong City Council have closed their Customer Service Centre – they can be contacted online and over the phone.
Development applications can be lodged online.
Development applications on exhibition can be viewed online. There is no online tracking for development applications.
For more information: wollongong.nsw.gov.au/development/lodge-a-development-application
Shellharbour City Council – lodge online
As of 24 March 2020, Shellharbour City Council have closed all in person customer services. Building and Development Services are now restricted. Face-to-face Pre-lodgment Meetings have been suspended and Council are working towards offering meetings online.
You can lodge and pay for your Development Application online using eServices.
Development application tracking is available online.
For more information: www.shellharbour.nsw.gov.au/plan-and-build/development-application-process
Kiama Municipal Council – lodge via email
As of 24 March 2020, Kiama Municipal Council have closed their customer service desk. Alternative services are provided via phone and their website.
Development applications can be submitted via email. Council have specific naming conventions for their submissions.
Development application tracking is available online.
More information can be found at: www.kiama.nsw.gov.au/Plan-and-build/Development-Applications/DA-Process
Shoalhaven City Council – lodge via email
As of 25 March 2020, Shoalhaven City Council have closed all in person customer services.
Development applications can be lodged via email: council@shoalhaven.nsw.gov.au
Development application tracking is available online.
For more information: shoalhaven.nsw.gov.au/Planning-amp-Building/Development/Development-steps
PDC Lawyers & Planners can help you with your development application submissions. Please call (02) 4288 0150.
Lorri is a director of PDC Law. Lorri combines excellent technical expertise with a common-sense approach to best represent her clients. She is one of few Accredited Specialists in Commercial Litigation in the Illawarra and Shoalhaven. This accreditation is testament to Lorri’s expert knowledge and skill in dealing with commercial disputes. In 2019 Lorri was awarded Regional Lawyer of the Year by Women Lawyers Achievement Awards.
