News worth sharing.

GSA Planning welcomes the establishment of the Development Coordination Authority (DCA), a significant reform to the State’s development assessment framework.

From July 2026, the DCA will centralise state agency advice within the development application process. Advice that is currently managed across 22 government agencies with a single point of contact for both pre-DA and post-DA matters.Key

Changes include:

• A consolidated framework for statutory referrals, combining 800+ concurrence and consultation triggers across 175 planning instruments

• Early confirmation of whether state agency input is required, overseen by the DCA

• A consistent 28-day response timeframe for statutory advice• A simplified and fairer fee structure

The reform aims to strengthen the referral system by reducing delays, improving consistency in agency advice, and streamlining coordination between councils and state agencies to deliver a more efficient development assessment system.

We look forward to seeing how its implementation shapes project delivery and planning outcomes across NSW!

Welcoming our two new Assistant Planners to the team, Atalia Joseph and Jack Lonnon! Both are third year students at UNSW and are joining us full-time for their practice year.

We’re so excited to have them join us through our ongoing partnership with UNSW, a collaboration we’re genuinely proud of and committed to growing. Investing in emerging talent and supporting the next generation of industry leaders is something we care deeply about, and we can’t wait to help them grow their practical skills and see the impact they’ll make.

Here’s to fresh perspectives, big ideas, and an exciting year ahead!

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We are proud to share that we have moved into our brand new office at 467 Oxford Street, Paddington. As we continue to grow and evolve, we now have a fresh space for new ideas, collaboration, and what’s next.

It’s always exciting to go on site of our new GSA office construction in Paddington. Our contemporary rear extension to the existing terrace is coming together beautifully and we can’t wait to move in.

We’d like to congratulate Sam from our office for his recent graduation from Macquarie University with a Bachelor of Planning.

George was recently interviewed by long term client and friend, Bruce Stafford, as part of his Coffee Club Series. In the episode, George shared pivotal moments that shaped his career, along with some of the best advice he’s received from mentors along the way.

GSA Planning’s Biggest Morning Tea was held this morning to raise funds for the Cancer Council. A big thanks to our office manager, Michelle, for organising the event and for everyone who contributed. We have raised over $5,000 so far which will go towards vital cancer research, support services, prevention programs and advocacy.

Congratulations to our team member, Fiona, on her recent graduation from UNSW with a Bachelor of City Planning (Honours).

Our Managing Director, George Karavanas was recently interviewed by the ABC in relation to major planning changes under SEPP (Housing) 2021. The interview was featured in an ABC article and on last night’s 7:30 report, providing valuable insights on the recent implementation of the Low and Mid-Rise Housing Policy (LMR).

We were delighted to see amazing progress being made on our new HQ on Oxford Street today.

We’re proud to share that one of our team members, Bita Gharagozloo, was the lead editor for this September issue of New Planner Journal titled ‘Planning for the renewable energy transformation’. She also published an article on ‘The intersection of renewable energy with cultural-heritage values’!

Congratulations once again!

GSA Planning have been busy working on our own DA and CC for our new office premises. Located a short stroll from our current office in Paddington, we can’t wait to welcome you to our new premises upon completion of construction next year. From our Managing Director: ‘Our new GSA Planning premises on Oxford Street, Paddington under construction. Hoarding beautifully embellished with George Raftopoulos artwork “Ulysses Gaze 2024”. Το βλέμμα του Οδυσσέα. Our Odyssey has landed us in the heart of the eastern suburbs in beautiful Paddington.’ Here’s to the next chapter at GSA Planning.

GSA Planning provided a sponsorship to Cherrybrook Athletics. We value the opportunities provided to the community by Cherrybrook Athletics and are proud to support this club.

So happy to congratulate Liberty and Abby from our team for their recent graduation from Macquarie University with Bachelors of Planning.

GSA Planning are celebrating the magic of Mardi Gras this month. Wishing all members of the LGBT+ community and allies a happy Mardi Gras. As always, our team embraces diversity and is proud together.

Our Managing Director George Karavanas recently visited some young members of the North Bondi Surf Life Saving Club to check out their new boards. Proudly sponsored by GSA.