Maitland City Council’s fast development application (DA) turnaround has unlocked $2 million in NSW Government funding for Rutherford’s Max McMahon Oval.
The funding, awarded through the NSW Government’s Faster Assessments Incentive Program, will help deliver the second stage of the oval’s redevelopment.
The redevelopment includes a multipurpose community building, accessible toilets, storage facilities and new fencing.
The grant recognises councils that assess DAs faster than the state’s benchmark while maintaining planning standards.
During the 2024-25 financial year, Maitland City Council assessed 858 DAs with an average processing time of 85 days, well below the NSW benchmark of 115 days.
The applications represented almost $483 million worth of development across the local government area.
Maitland Mayor Philip Penfold said the funding would deliver another major improvement for the sporting precinct.
“The new building will be a fantastic addition for local sporting clubs and residents in Maitland’s west,” Cr Penfold said.
“This addition will be a great new multipurpose event space that will build on recent improvements at Max McMahon Oval and support local clubs, now and into the future.”
He said the council was proud to work alongside sporting organisations, including Maitland All Saints AFL Club and Western Suburbs Cricket Club, as well as other levels of government, to improve facilities for the city’s growing community.
Director City Planning Trevor Ryan said the result reflected the council’s work to improve its assessment processes despite handling a high number of complex applications, including major greenfield subdivisions.
“Only three councils in the state – Sydney, Newcastle and Mid-Coast – assessed more DAs with a lower average assessment in the same timeframe,” Mr Ryan said.
He said staff had streamlined internal assessment processes and worked with applicants before lodgement to improve the quality of applications.
“Not only has this meant quicker resolutions and fewer refused applications, but more robust planning outcomes,” he said.
The latest funding follows the opening of a $3.1 million grant-funded amenities building at Max McMahon Oval earlier this year.
Mr Ryan said securing grants such as the Faster Assessments Incentive Program would remain an important part of the council’s long-term financial sustainability strategy.
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