The New South Wales Government has released an updated Statement of Expectations for councils, recognising improvements in development assessment (DA) performance while setting new assessment targets from 1 July 2026.
Average DA assessment times across New South Wales have fallen by 31 days to 84 days, based on figures to 31 May 2026. The updated Statement of Expectations sets statewide average determination targets of 90 days in 2026, 80 days in 2027 and 65 days in 2028.
The updated expectations also introduce new requirements for councils covering DA modifications, complying development certificate variation statements, local infrastructure contributions and strategic planning.
Under the new infrastructure contribution requirements, councils will be expected 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.
