Central Coast Council is accelerating development assessments with the introduction of a new Accelerated Development Application (ADA) process launched on 1 July 2026.
A range of development application improvements are currently underway, including the recruitment of additional planners and streamlined assessment processes to deliver faster, more efficient outcomes.
As well as these improvements, Council has launched the new ADA process with the aim to significantly cut assessment times for eligible proposals. This process has been modelled on the successful implementation of a similar scheme by the City of Newcastle.
Under the new ADA process, applicants who submit well-prepared information up front, their applications will undergo a quick eligibility check before being fast-tracked through the new process – helping Council to deliver faster decisions for straightforward proposals.
By speeding up well-prepared eligible applications, the ADA process will also allow Council planners to focus on more complex developments, improving overall service and outcomes for the community.
Over the past 18 months, in the lead up to the new ADA process, Council has made significant progress in reducing development assessment backlogs, with the number of outstanding DAs reducing from a peak of 1,099 to 652 (as at end May 2026). In addition, the number of legacy applications (those older than 12 months) has fallen by 63%, from a peak of 186 applications to 68, representing the lowest level since October 2022. These improvements have been achieved through targeted process reforms, additional resources and a strong focus on clearing older applications.
Mayor of the Central Coast, Lawrie McKinna said the ADA initiative was a welcome innovation that will help to enable growth and build stronger communities.
For more information about the ADA process search ‘Accelerated Development’ Applications (ADA)’ at centralcoast.nsw.gov.au
Central Coast Council Media Release
