I think that the answer is simple. The new DA process will include an option for discounted fee in accordance with the process outlined below:

1) Lodge application and select one of the following options:

Option 1 – pay fees and request editorial coverage of hardship or just plain poor performance of Council

Option 2 – don’t pay anything and then contact the editor or Toni McRae and say that you are taking your development to Sunshine Coast or Bundy

Option 3 – Pay fees and don’t provide any supporting information for your application then complain to the papers that the process is taking too long

Option 4 – pay fees and just hope

Option 5 – Pay fees, lodge all supporting information with the expectation that your application will be approved because it is consistent with the planning scheme and then expect to pay development contributions, have the whole lot approved in accordance with the timeframes in SPA

2) When you don’t get your own way, call the mayor who will promise to make it happen

3) Wait for the decision notice on the front page which says “due to Chronicle intervention the development has been saved and charges reduced”

What new incentives/concessions have been offered in the last few days by Council to bring about this state of affairs?

It is difficult to understand such a marked change in their attitude (developers) unless they have obtained some significant changes to conditions/fees etc.