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How major development applications are assessed

On this page you will find information about:

What is major development
The major development assessment process

What is major development

The Minister for Urban Development and Planning can declare a proposed development a major development if it is of major economic, social or environmental importance, and such a declaration is necessary for proper assessment to occur.

Examples of recent major development proposals can be found at Proposals currently being assessed.

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The major development assessment process

Stage 1 – Referral to the Development Assessment Commission

Once a proposal has been declared a major development by the Minister, and a formal development application received, it is referred to the Development Assessment Commission (DAC).

The DAC will determine what level of assessment is required and issue formal guidelines.

There are three possible levels of assessment:

  1. an environmental impact statement
  2. a public environmental report
  3. a development report.

Stage 2 – Detailed assessment documents released

Once the necessary assessment document is completed by the proponent, the document is released for public or agency comment for three to six weeks. The document is made available at the relevant local council and on the listing of major developments proposals.

Stage 3 – Responding to public comment

After the public comment period, the proponent is required to respond to any public or agency comments. This completed response document is released for public information and is made available at the relevant local council and on the listing of major developments proposals.

Stage 4 – Assessing the proposal

The Minister will consider the proposal and detail in an assessment report. The completed report is made available at the relevant local council and the listing of major developments proposals.

Stage 5 – Decision

The Governor will make a decision on the final proposal having regard to the assessment report and other documentation. This will be notified:

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More information

On this site 
Proposals currently being assessed

Downloads
Major developments and how to have your say (PDF 418KB)

For an alternative version of this document see planning contacts.

Other websites 
Local Government Association of South Australia
Development Assessment Commission


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