Overview
From 1 September 2026, planning authorities across NSW, including councils, must follow the statewide Community Participation Plan.
The plan establishes consistent public exhibition requirements and timeframes for planning matters across NSW.
Not every development application is required to be publicly exhibited. However, all development applications are assessed against the relevant planning legislation and planning controls, regardless of whether public exhibition is required.
When is a development application publicly exhibited?
Development applications that require public exhibition are generally exhibited for a minimum of 14 calendar days.
A minimum 28-day exhibition period generally applies to higher-impact development, including:
- Council-related development
- designated development
- nominated integrated development
- threatened species development
- certain development requiring an environmental impact statement
- most State significant development
Applications that generate significant public interest may be exhibited for a longer period.
Note: The period between 20 December and 10 January is excluded when calculating public exhibition periods.
Development that may not require public exhibition
The statewide Community Participation Plan identifies some lower-impact development types that may be excluded from public exhibition, including:
- some sheds, pools, pergolas and carports
- dwelling houses
- dual occupancies
- secondary dwellings
- farm buildings
- home businesses
- certain subdivisions
- tree removal on private land
- some modification applications
This is a summary only. Definitions, conditions and exceptions apply.
For complete details, refer to Table 6 of the NSW Community Participation Plan.
How can I view applications on exhibition?
Development applications that require public exhibition can be viewed via the following links:
Making a submission
Anyone may make a submission on a development application that is formally open for public exhibition.
Your submission should:
- identify the application
- state whether you support or object to the proposal
- explain the planning reasons for your position
- include your name and contact details
Submissions must be received before the advertised closing date.
Submissions may be sent:
- by email to council@wentworth.nsw.gov.au
- by post to PO Box 81, Wentworth NSW 2648
- using another submission method specified in the exhibition notice.
Privacy notice: Submissions are not kept confidential. Personal information may be released where required by law. If you wish for identifying information to be withheld where possible, please state this in your submission.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are all development applications publicly exhibited?
No. Some lower-impact development types may be excluded from public exhibition under the statewide Community Participation Plan.
Is an application still assessed if it is not publicly exhibited?
Yes. All development applications are assessed against the relevant planning legislation and planning controls.
Can I make a submission if I did not receive a notification?
Yes. Anyone may make a submission on an application during the public exhibition period.
Where can I find applications currently on exhibition?
Visit Council’s Development Applications on Public Exhibition page or the NSW Planning Portal.
Contact Council
For further information, contact Wentworth Shire Council’s Health and Planning team:
Phone: (03) 5027 5027
Email: council@wentworth.nsw.gov.au
Address: 61 Darling Street, Wentworth NSW 2648