Development applications that trigger referrals under IDAS may cost 800% more in the future. The Consultation Regulatory Impact Statement shows that the State is considering several options, however it is clear that the intention to recover the cost of development assessment services will result in a significant increase for referrals such as applications relating to State-controlled roads, vegetation clearing, wetlands, contaminated land, or a coastal management district. Fees could be between $1392 and $5567 for each trigger, depending on the option chosen by the State.
Our view is that the fees should reflect the value that the referral adds to the process and the resultant built outcome. Far too many referral assessments and responses add no real value to the development project and merely result in the SARA approval requiring the development to be carried out in accordance with the plans submitted with the application.
Consultation ends on 5 March 2014.