Submission writing tips

A woman uses voice input on her smartphone

A submission does not have to be long nor prepared by a planning professional.

It can be in writing or provided verbally (if required), and should reference the development site address and application number, state the name and address of the submitter (although this is not mandatory) and clearly identify the aspects of a proposal that are of interest to the person submitting and explain why.

Give your submission a title

Giving your submission a title helps us organise all the submissions that we receive.

If your submission is about a DA, include the application number and site address. You can find these details on the notice and other correspondence from Council to you, or you can look up the details on the DA Tracker.

For example: Submission on the proposed development at 1 Jones Street, Suburb, DA/4/2016.

State your support or opposition as specifically as possible

For example: 'I oppose the proposed height of three storeys because it will overshadow my garden.'

Outline why you support or oppose certain aspects

For example: 'I think the height of the proposed development is excessive as it would block sunlight and breezes to neighbouring properties.'

For example: 'The proposed development is needed as there is currently insufficient housing for older people, which means locals have to move out of the neighbourhood when they retire.'

State any specific changes you would like made to the draft plan or development proposal.

For example: 'The proposal should be reduced in scale and set back further from the rear boundary as this part of the proposal is directly adjacent to my bedroom.

Sign and date the submission

You need to include your name, address and email address. You can include your phone number if you want to.

If you require further assistance with your submission, Council has provided a template below to assist submitters writing a submission. The Assessing Officer is unable to assist with writing a submission.