Given the size, nature, the state heritage listing and the required capital investment value, the project qualifies as a project of state significance and therefore is eligible for submission to the NSW government as a State Significant Development (application).

The process of preparing a State Significant Development (SSD) submission is to first make a formal submission to the state government outlining the basic ideas and concepts of what you are proposing – this initial submission is an application to receive the Secretary’s Environmental Assessment Requirements (SEAR’s) letter. The SEAR’s letter includes all the conditions and items that must be addressed in the formal SSD application, including matters such as environmental investigations, design plans, engineering works, community and First Nations people consultation, traffic impact studies and the like. Conditions contained in the SEAR’s letter are comprehensive.

During the design development phase in preparing for the formal SSD submission the NSW State Design Review Panel (SDRP) reviews proposed designs at an early concept stage to ensure the level of quality and thought put in the design is of a high standard and fit for state government assessment. The panel is made up of industry professionals who are appointed by the NSW state government. The SDRP will make recommendations on areas where the concept designs proposed can be improved and may provide additional matters needing to be addressed in the final submission.

Once the final application is made, it is assessed for sufficiency and publicly exhibited for 28 days. The public has an opportunity during this period to formally lodge submissions regarding the application. The application is referred to other relevant state and local government agencies (e.g. the local Council) for comment. Once the application is assessed a recommendation is made (including either conditions of consent or reasons for refusal) and referred to the minister (or delegate) for final determination.