8 July 2026
Planning Minister updates development assessment expectations
The NSW Planning Minister has issued an updated Statement of Expectations for councils, recognising improvements in development assessment (DA) performance while setting new targets and expectations from 1 July 2026.
Average DA assessment times across NSW have fallen by 31 days to 84 days, based on figures to 31 May 2026. The updated Statement of Expectations Order sets statewide average determination targets of 90 days in 2026, 80 days in 2027 and 65 days in 2028.
The Order also introduces additional expectations for councils covering DA modifications, complying development certificate variation statements, local infrastructure contributions and strategic planning.
New requirements relating to infrastructure contributions will require councils to spend a proportion of developer contributions each year on essential infrastructure, including roads, parks and community facilities, to support growing communities.
More information is available in the Statement of Expectations Order.