A development application (DA) is a formal application for development that requires consent under the NSW Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979. It is usually lodged with the local council for processing and determination, and consists of standard application forms, supporting technical reports and plans.  The NSW Department of Planning and Environment (DPE)’s ‘Development Assessment Best Practice Guide' describes the development assessment pr

This report will bring together findings and recommendations from our 2020–21 financial audits of local councils and will comment on financial reporting and performance, internal controls and governance, and areas of interest that are in focus during the conduct of our audits.