From 1 July 2026, the Development Coordination Authority (DCA) will provide a one-stop shop for NSW Government inputs on planning matters The DCA was established to speed up and streamline planning approvals, from local developments to State Significant Developments (SSDs) to rezonings.
DCA will centralise decision-making. The DCA is bound by strict timelines including having to provide feedback within 28 days.
Advice that is currently referred to multiple State agencies such as RFS, TfNSW and Sydney Water and a host of other agencies, will instead be done through the DCA. It will bring together expertise from across agencies and potentially beyond, to provide a single, coordinated response on behalf of the NSW Government.
From 1 July, DCA will:
* act as a single point of contact for enquiries on local development and modification applications requiring input from NSW Government agencies
* issue a single, coordinated response to referrals from consent authorities
* bring together experts from a broad range of disciplines so issues can be resolved quickly
* provide specialised expertise and coordinated technical advice on development applications, modification applications and rezonings
* help resolve post consent issues for large housing projects
DPHI has released two fact sheets – one for councils and one for applicants but none for the community. The fact sheets explain what’s changed for councils and applicants, how to work with DCA, and the new statutory framework which has now been formally gazetted.
You can find the fact sheets, regulation and SEPP on the DCA webpage.
There is also a webinar recording available on that webpage for more detailed information. Link is:
https://www.planning.nsw.gov.au/policy-and-legislation/housing/development-coordination-authority
What else is changing – planning system updates:
On 1 July 2026, all existing local planning directions will be updated by a revised and consolidated section 9.1 Ministerial Direction – Local Plan Making. DPHI will also be releasing an updated Local Environmental Plan Making Guideline and consolidated planning circular guidance. The changes will consolidate local planning directions and ensure consistency with DCA referral settings and other reforms.
While this new Authority will be a boon for developers, BPN questions whether the results of these faster approvals will be of benefit to the wider community.
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