(02) 6836 5888
mail@cobar.nsw.gov.au
From 1 July 2021, all applications for development must be lodged through the NSW Planning Portal.
For information regarding applications, go to the NSW Planning Portal website.
The NSW Planning Portal is a digital space where community, industry, and government can work together to better understand and meet their obligations under the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979.
It hosts a range of digital planning services, mapping and reporting tools, services, and guidance to assist all those working in the planning and building industry as well as those involved in a proposed development.
The digital services accessed via dashboards:
All planning applications must be submitted online through the Portal. Please click here to lodge your application. You will be required to create an account which requires you to have an email address.
Before lodging your application, we strongly encourage you to seek advice from Council’s building surveyors to ensure you have all the necessary documentation and understand the type of development application required. This includes, but is not limited to:
Please email your proposal to mail@cobar.nsw.gov.au for assistance. Our building surveyors can provide guidance on the specific requirements and help you prepare a complete and accurate application.
The Council’s planning & development duties involve a wide range of functions including:
The Far West Regional Plan 2036 is a 20 year blueprint for the future of Western NSW and can be downloaded and/or viewed here.
Council in conjunction with the Department of Planning has prepared a Local Strategic Planning Statement (LSPS) which was adopted on 28 May 2020 at the Ordinary Meeting of Council. This document will set out the 20-year vision for land-use in the local area, the special character and values that are to be preserved and how change will be managed into the future.
The statements should be read in conjunction with relevant State and Regional planning policies and plans, which will continue to guide planning decisions and the preparation of development controls in local environmental plans. The LSPS can be downloaded and/or viewed here.
Council currently only assesses the following development applications through NSW Planning Portal:
To get a building development approved, you need to follow these steps: First, after consulting with Council, submit a Development Application (DA) through the NSW Planning Portal, where it will be assessed by council. Once approved, apply for a Construction Certificate (CC) to ensure your building plans comply with regulations. Before starting construction, appoint a Principal Certifier (PC) who will conduct inspections during the build. Finally, after construction is complete, apply for an Occupation Certificate (OC) to confirm the building is safe and ready for use.
After consulting with Council’s building surveyor’s and confirming that you have the necessary understanding and documentation for your proposal, you will be sent a guide, supplied from Support Hub on the Planning Portal on how to submit your application to the NSW Planning Portal. Alternatively, you can arrange a meeting with Planning & Environment staff to help you submit your application and understand how the Portal works.
Fees for lodging a development application vary based on the type and cost of the development. The NSW Planning Portal charges service fees for certain applications, and additional fees may be required by local councils or private certifiers. See Council’s Fees and Charges page for more information.
Zoning regulations determine how land can be used, such as for residential, commercial, or industrial purposes. These regulations are outlined in Local Environmental Plans (LEPs) and State Environmental Planning Policies (SEPPs). Refer your zone to Cobar LEP using the Land Use Table. You can check the zoning for your property using the NSW Planning Portal’s Spatial Viewer. Alternatively, you can apply for a Property Information Certificate here.
New buildings in NSW must meet sustainability standards set by the Building Sustainability Index (BASIX). However, buildings with an estimated development cost of less than $5 million are generally exempt from these requirements under the State Environmental Planning Policy (Sustainable Buildings) 2022.
To make a submission on a publicly exhibited development, please contact Council’s Planning & Environmental Services Department on 02 6836 5888 or email to mail@cobar.nsw.gov.au. Provide your comments, support, or objections, and submit before the exhibition period ends. Developments on public exhibition can be found on Council’s Latest News page.
The NSW Planning Portal offers a Support Hub with step-by-step guides, FAQs, video tutorials, and contact options for further assistance. You can access training modules and contact the support team via an online form. You can also contact Cobar Shire Council Planning & Environment staff to assist you with the Portal.
No, unless you are the owner of an application made through the NSW Planning Portal as those documents will always be available to you. For plans or approvals of older development applications, you will need to apply for either a Government Information (Public Access) (GIPA) request or a Council archive search as mentioned on Council’s Access to Information page.