Council improvement delivers major reduction in DA assessment times
Central Coast Mayor Lawrie McKinna has announced Council's focus in improving development assessment services is already delivering significant results, with average Development Application (DA) assessment times falling by more than 40 days in just two months and further improvements expected.
Central Coast Mayor Lawrie McKinna.
23 September 2026
"EARLIER this year I committed to supporting growth, jobs and investment across the Central Coast," Mayor McKinna said.
"I'm pleased to see that the changes we've made in improving Council services and processes is delivering real results for our community."
Despite receiving an increase of 7% more Development Applications over the past 12 months, Council has significantly reduced its backlog and is continuing to improve assessment times.
The improvements have been achieved through streamlined assessment processes, the recruitment of additional skilled Council officers and the introduction of Council’s new Accelerated Development Application (ADA) program for eligible proposals.
“Eligible low risk DAs for dwellings, dual occupancy and small-scale residential development, commercial and industrial are now being processed through the new ADA program and are being determined in as little as 15 days,” Mayor McKinna said.
“The average time taken to assess DAs has reduced from 136 days in June 2026 to 94 days in August 2026. This is a significant improvement and demonstrates Council's commitment to providing better services for residents, businesses and industry.”
Mayor McKinna said the improvements were informed by feedback from industry professionals and stakeholders.
"We've listened carefully to industry professionals to identify ways to improve the process and their feedback has helped shaped the changes we are making.”
Mayor McKinna said improving DA assessment times was also important for supporting housing supply, local jobs, and economic growth.
"Construction and home building is a key driver of the Central Coast economy, supporting more than 12,000 local jobs and helping meet the needs of our growing community.
“Faster DA assessment times give residents, businesses and developers greater confidence to invest and build on the Central Coast.
"While maintaining the planning standards our community expects, we are focused on assessing applications as efficiently as possible so new houses, businesses and community infrastructure can be delivered sooner, at a time when the Central Coast needs it most."
Council will continue to monitor the performance of the ADA program and other improvement initiatives as it works to deliver a faster and more responsive development assessment service for the community.
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