Express DA Accreditation application

To qualify for accreditation for Express DA, you must submit the following:

1. Completed Express DA Accreditation Application online form (available at the bottom of this webpage).
2. Examples of at least 2 applications for each development type being applied for, from the list of eligible development types listed below. Each example application must have been lodged and approved in the Cairns Regional Council local government area within the last 2 years of applying for accreditation.
   • Material Change of Use (Dwelling House)
   • Material Change of Use (Dual Occupancy)
   • Building Works Assessable against the Planning Scheme
   • Operational Works (Access Crossover & Driveway)
   • Operational Works (Excavation & Filling - 50m3 or under)

   *Note – For the Express DA process, the above development types are subject to specific eligibility criteria (e.g. the applicability of certain zones and overlays). If the consultant / consultancy only wishes to be accredited for specific uses or development types, this should be clearly stated in the accreditation application and covering letter submitted to Council.

3. A covering letter which, in addition to identifying example applications, explicitly outlines the following:
   • Applicable Council benchmarks / standards / policies;
   • A summary outline of the proposal and what the main or significant issues were with the application and how were they resolved;
   • Outline all the necessary supporting information and reports that were required to approve the development; and
   • Resume detailing relevant experience and qualifications of the applicant.
4. A copy of the insurance policy outlining the insured amount, policy provider, policy number, date of commencement and expiry date of policy for the following:
   • Professional Indemnity Insurance to the value of $1,000,000 from an insurer and on terms acceptable to Council;
   • Public Liability Insurance to the value of $20,000,000 from an insurer and on terms acceptable to Council; and
   • Any other insurance required by law, from an insurer and on terms acceptable to Council.

   The insurance policies held and maintained by the consultancy must cover the acts or omissions of the individual consultant.

The Accreditation Application will be reviewed by an Assessing Officer. If further information is required, the Officer will contact the Applicant to request required information. If the application is unsuccessful, the Assessing Officer will contact the Applicant to advise of the decision.

If the application for the Accredited Consultant / Consultancy is successful, the Consultant and Consultancy must both sign an Express DA Accreditation Agreement ( PDF, 1.21 MB ) with Council. This document confirms the roles and responsibilities of the Accredited Consultant(s) and is the basis on which Council and the Accredited Consultant / Consultancy will participate in the Express DA process.

Note: Express DA transfers responsibility to the Accredited Consultant / Consultancy to ensure supporting information is accurate and contains sufficient detail as would otherwise be required by Council for review. If issues arise in future, Council may take legal steps against the Accredited Consultant / Consultancy to rectify the issue or matter. Applicants lodging in this way are agreeing to follow and abide by Council’s established procedure. Random auditing will be undertaken to assess and monitor the competence of accredited professionals

Renewal

Accreditation is valid for 5 years. It is the Accredited Consultant’s responsibility to renew the Accreditation.

To do so, complete the Express DA Accreditation Renewal / Transfer Form ( PDF, 0.22 MB ) and submit it by email to the Express DA team.  An updated Express DA Accreditation Agreement must be signed by the Accredited Consultant or Consultancy upon the Council’s request.

Transfer

The consultant and the consultancy are accredited under the one agreement. When the individual leaves that consultancy, the accreditation becomes null and void.

If an Accredited Consultant transitions from one Accredited Consultancy to another Accredited Consultancy, they do not need to reapply for accreditation. However, they must inform Council of this change. To do so, complete the Express DA Accreditation Renewal / Transfer Form ( PDF, 0.22 MB ) and submit it by email to the Express DA team. Additionally, an updated Express DA Accreditation Agreement must be signed by the Accredited Consultant or Consultancy upon Council’s request.

Express DA forms and guidelines

• Express DA Accreditation Kit ( PDF, 1.37 MB )
• Express DA Application Guideline ( PDF, 1.77 MB )
• Express DA Accredited Consultant’s Report template ( DOCX, 0.83 MB )
• Express DA Accreditation Agreement (Deed) example ( PDF, 1.21 MB )
• Express DA Accreditation Renewal / Transfer Application Form ( PDF, 0.22 MB )