IMPORTANT NOTICE

Duty Planner Service – New Hours from 1 October 2025. Our Duty Planner Service is now available Monday to Friday, from 9.00am to 1.00pm. We are closed on public holidays. You will still receive clear and consistent advice to help with your development enquiries. If you have any questions, please Contact us.

Our Duty Planner Service is a great place to start for any general planning or building questions. This service is free and does not require an appointment. You can access it by phone or in person at the Georges River Service Centre. The Service Centre is located at the corner of MacMahon and Dora Streets in Hurstville.

This service gives initial advice on planning-related questions about properties and development proposals.

The Duty Planner will help customers find the relevant zoning. They will explain basic planning controls for different types of developments. They will also identify the planning tools and policies for each development.
 

Accessing the Duty Planner Service

From 1 October 2025 there will be changes to the way we provide Duty Planning Services to the community.

Our Duty Planning Service runs from 9.00am to 1.00pm, Monday to Friday, excluding public holidays.

While the operating hours are adjusted, the quality and accuracy of our planning advice will stay the same. Our team continues to be committed to delivering clear, consistent, and professional guidance to support your development.

This change is part of our goal to streamline the development assessment process. We want to offer a timely and efficient service while making best use of available resources.

Customers can reach the Duty Planner by phone at (02) 9330 6400. They can also visit in person at the Georges River Service Centre. Located on the corner of MacMahon and Dora Streets, Hurstville.  
 

What information do I need to use this service?

Customers only need to have a question they want answered.

The Duty Planner Service can be used for a range of enquiries. You can ask simple questions, like "Where can I find the rules about Granny Flats?" or specific ones, like "Are granny flats allowed at this address?"
 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• How is the service provided?

  The Duty Planner will provide advice verbally to customers. No written advice is provided through this service.

• Why won’t the Duty Planner tell me the zoning over the phone?

  For legal reasons, the Duty Planner cannot provide zoning information over the phone. The Duty Planner can assist customers locate the zoning of the property by directing customers to the NSW Planning Portal.

• Will the Duty Planner confirm whether my proposal is Complying Development?

  No. If you are after this advice, the Pre-Complying Development Consultation Service is the best option for you.
  
  This is a specialised service where customers can meet with one of Council’s Accredited Practising Building Surveyors who have expertise and experience in this specialised area of the legislation.

• Will the Duty Planner check plans and documents? Will they give merit advice or say if a proposal is exempt?

  No. Council will provide this advice through the Pre-Lodgement Advisory Service.

 

Fact Sheet

Fact Sheet - Duty Planner Service.