“Apply Now, Cry Later”: Sutherland Council Achieves New Heights in DA Delays

Finn Seabrook | Local Correspondent | Sutherland Shire Gazette

15 April 2025

SUTHERLAND — Pop the cork on your warmest leftover Prosecco: Sutherland Shire Council has proudly taken out the silver medal for development application (DA) delays in NSW, clocking a leisurely 181-day average. Only Georges River Council managed to outpace their inefficiency, winning gold for what sources are calling “a truly elite commitment to administrative inertia.”

Planning Minister Paul Scully has reportedly issued formal “please explain” letters to the six worst-performing councils, requesting action plans within 28 days — or presumably before the next Ice Age.

Unconfirmed reports suggest Sutherland Council, long rumoured to be relying on homing pigeons for DA processing, is now exploring an upgrade to either humans or AI, depending on the outcome of a feasibility study and Terry from Planning’s next RDO.

In response, anonymous whispers from council insiders suggest a few innovative reforms may be floated, including piloting a new “Lucky Dip DA”— one lucky applicant fast-tracked each month, live draw on Facebook.

Some locals have also suggested launching a new “Zen DA Pathway” in which applicants are simply encouraged to find peace with not extending the rumpus room or rear balcony. 

“This isn’t failure,” one council spokesperson insisted. “This is administrative marination. We don’t rubber-stamp — we soul-search.”

Locals are now encouraged to lodge DAs early, preferably while still in primary school, to ensure approval in time for retirement.

As for Georges River? Sources say they’ve framed their gold certificate in the foyer and are reportedly exploring a lifestyle brand extension: DAwait™ — Because Good Things Take Forever.