Development applications are refered to an IDAS referal agency if there is a requirement under the Integated Planning Regulation 1998 (IP Reg) for an entity other than the assessment manager to have input in the assessment.

The type of referral that applies is prescribed in the IP Reg. A referral may be required to:

• seek advice on an application
• determine any requirements an agency may impose on an application.

IDAS referral agencies can be either an advice or concurrence agency. Referral agencies operate within a defined jurisdiction. This determines the extent and nature of the agency’s interests.

Advice agency

An advice agency may make recommendations and offer advice on conditions of approval or regarding refusal of an application. It cannot make a request for further information.

Concurrence agency

In addition to offering advice, a concurrence agency has the power to direct the outcome of an application. It can require that:

• certain conditions be imposed on an approval
• an approval be for part only of the development or for a preliminary approval only
• that an application be refused.

A concurrence agency can also ask an applicant for further information about an application. A concurrence agency may only exercise its powers within its defined jurisdiction.

Related resources

Implementation Note 7 - IDAS Assessment Management and Referrals ( 252 KB)