Speedy DA sign-off sees Maitland Council unlock vital infrastructure funding

Maitland City Council’s performance assessing development applications (DA) has helped secure a $2 million funding injection through a NSW Government grant program.

An average DA assessment timeframe of just 85 days during the 2024/25 financial year sees Maitland Council sit well below the state benchmark of 115 days.

This performance has been rewarded, with council able to bolster its coffers by tapping into the NSW Government’s Faster Assessments Incentive Program, which last month announced more than $54 million in local infrastructure spending.

Maitland Council secured $2 million in funding for stage two redevelopment works at Max McMahon Oval in Rutherford. The proposed multipurpose facility is set to include a community event room, storage space, accessible toilets and fencing.

Maitland Mayor Philip Penfold says, “the new building will be a fantastic addition for local sporting clubs and residents in Maitland’s west.”

“This addition will be a great new multipurpose, event space that will build on recent improvements at Max McMahon Oval and support local clubs, now and into the future,” Mayor Penfold said.

“As a Council, we’re proud to partner with sporting groups like Maitland Saints Club , Western Suburbs Cricket Club and other levels of government to deliver improved facilities for our growing community.”

Maitland City Council Director City Planning Trevor Ryan said the outcome was particularly significant “given the volume and complexity of development assessed in Maitland, including major greenfield subdivisions requiring substantial infrastructure coordination.”

“Only three councils in the state – Sydney, Newcastle and Mid-Coast– assessed more DAs with a lower average assessment in the same timeframe."

Mr Ryan said council staff had streamlined internal assessment processes and worked proactively with applicants to identify issues and improve the quality of applications before they were lodged.

“Not only has this meant quicker resolutions and fewer refused applications, but more robust planning outcomes,” he said.

In 2024/25, Maitland City Council assessed 858 DAs, totalling $483 million in development cost.

The planned second phase of redevelopment works at Rutherford’s Max McMahon Oval come hot on the heels of a $3.1 million, grant-funded amenities building which opened in March of this year.

Mr Ryan said, “seeking out and securing similar grant opportunities in the future is core to Council’s long-term financial sustainability strategy.”