Making it faster and easier to navigate the planning system
As part of the NSW Planning Reforms, the Development Coordination Authority (DCA) has now been established. While several functions of the DCA will not come into effect until mid-year, one important role that is already operational is its function as a post-consent support provider.
Who is the DCA?
The Development Coordination Authority (DCA) has been established to coordinate and centralise State agency advice and approvals within the development assessment process. Its role is to streamline decision-making, resolve conflicting agency requirements, reduce requests for additional information, and assist in addressing post-consent housing issues.
The DCA sits within the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure and will progressively assume the functions of the former Housing Taskforce. From January 2026, the DCA will support enquiries relating to integrated developments, concurrences, referrals, and housing-related post-consent matters.
From July 2026, the DCA will bring together expertise from up to 14 NSW Government agencies, enabling most planning matters to be managed in-house. This model will provide applicants with a single point of contact for both pre-DA and post-DA issues, helping to minimise delays, duplication, and inconsistent advice.
The DCA is a key initiative aimed at simplifying the NSW planning system and ensuring it is fit to respond to current housing challenges. A more efficient and coordinated planning framework is critical to addressing the housing crisis and meeting Housing Accord targets. Under the National Housing Accord, NSW has committed to delivering 377,000 new homes over five years to July 2029.
Role of the Post-Consent Support Service
Under the DCA’s Post-Consent Support Service, each eligible project is assigned a dedicated case manager who coordinates relevant stakeholders, facilitates timely advice, and assists in resolving issues that may otherwise delay construction or occupation.
Cases are managed at a senior level and escalated where appropriate. Eligibility criteria may be reviewed and updated over time in response to demand and available resources.
It is important to note that the DCA does not hold statutory approval powers and cannot make decisions on behalf of consent authorities or government agencies.
Gyde can assist our clients to access the Post-Consent Support Service
The Post-Consent Support Service can assist proponents in resolving challenges at both local and State government levels, including:
- Post-consent approval delays
- Unobtainable or unreasonable requirements (where a modification application is not required)
- Gaps in communication between agencies and stakeholders
- Scheduling and coordination delays
If you would like assistance to make a submission on the establishment of the DCA contact our team. Submissions close 25th Febuary 2026.
