Council approved development valued at almost $300 million during the 2017-2018 financial year, with applications being determined, on average, 13 days faster than prior to merger.

Council’s acting director of planning and natural systems, Paul De Szell, said council’s average processing time for a development application is currently 73 days.

“While the processing rate of the three former councils did vary, on average it was taking 86 days for a determination.”

While the turnaround of 73 days is still slightly higher than the State average of 71 days, Mr De Szell said there are several programs underway to improve the development application process and deliver quicker determinations for the community.

These programs include the establishment of a project team to streamline the internal referral system and the development of a uniform lodgement process.

“The intent is to make the process clearer for applicants so they know what they need to lodge with an application, and ultimately reduce the need for additional information during the assessment process resulting in quicker determinations,” Mr De Szell said.

“We are also working to further align our standard conditions across all relevant sections of council to ensure clarity, consistency and relevance.”

Council received a total of 1099 development application during the 2017-2018 financial year, with 1072 development applications being processed and determined. Of the applications determined, 99 per cent were approved.

The applications included approvals for 368 new homes, 62 subdivisions and 52 commercial developments.

“Council is also being proactive with the community by offering free services to provide development assessment advice prior to lodgement.”

Mr De Szell said council’s development assessment panel meets weekly to provide pre-lodgement advice to applicants to help ensure the correct information is provided.