February 11, 2025
Why Councils Reject OSD Designs (and How to Avoid It)
The most common reasons Sydney councils knock back OSD designs - and how builders can avoid the RFI-and-resubmit cycle that stalls approvals.
Read moreNews
Updates from Contrive Consultants.
February 4, 2025
Waste Management Plans for DAs: What NSW Councils Want in a WMP
What NSW councils look for in a DA waste management plan - demolition, construction, operational waste, bin storage, collection design and swept…
Read more
January 21, 2025
10 Most Common Stormwater RFIs From Sydney Councils (Avoid Them)
The 10 stormwater RFIs Sydney councils raise most often - why each one happens and how to lodge a first submission that…
Read more
January 14, 2025
Charged Downpipe Systems to Rainwater Tanks: Rules That Pass
Design rules for charged (wet) downpipe systems feeding rainwater tanks - head, pipework, overflow and maintenance details that pass certification.
Read more
December 17, 2024
Subdividing Rural Land in NSW: The Engineering Checklist
Planning a rural subdivision in NSW? Work through this engineering checklist: roads, drainage, services, bushfire access, flooding and approvals.
Read more
December 10, 2024
SPEL Stormwater Products on NSW Projects: Choosing a Device
Stormsack, Stormceptor, Puraceptor and SPEL Filter compared - what each SPEL device does and how to choose the right one for a…
Read more
December 3, 2024
Sydney Water Section 73 Certificates Explained for Developers
What a Section 73 certificate is, when your NSW development needs one, how the Sydney Water process works, and how to keep…
Read more
November 26, 2024
TOD SEPP 2024: What the Reforms Mean for Sydney Infill Developers
The TOD SEPP rezones land around 37 Sydney stations for 22m apartments. What the 2024 reforms mean for site selection, feasibility and…
Read more
November 19, 2024
NatHERS 7-Star Homes: Design Moves That Won’t Blow the Budget
Practical, budget-conscious design moves that lift a home to 7 stars under NatHERS - orientation, glazing, shading, insulation and sealing.
Read more
November 12, 2024
City of Newcastle Stormwater Requirements Under DCP 2023
Newcastle DCP 2023 stormwater and OSD requirements for builders - what changed from DCP 2012, plus Hunter River flooding and mine subsidence…
Read more