Acre Town Planning is a specialist consulting firm providing professional town planning advice and services across regional NSW and Victoria.
We help our clients navigate complex Council approval processes and specialise in identifying creative solutions and pathways for realising the development potential of land.
Find out more about our services here.
Need planning approval for your project?
We make it simple and hassle-free!
Services
Acre provides services in all areas of town planning across regional Victoria and New South Wales.
Our team of qualified planners are skilled at negotiating favourable planning and development outcomes on behalf of our clients.
We recognise that every project is unique and we dedicate time up-front to understand your project objectives and provide honest feedback on your chances of success. We take the hassle out of your project by coordinating any specialist consultants on your behalf and can act as your point of contact with Council.
Our services include:
Planning Approvals
Planning permit applications
Development Applications
Statement of Environmental Effects
Due Diligence
Pre-purchase investigations
Project feasibility
Council pre-application meetings
Strategic Planning
Planning scheme amendments
Planning proposals
Rezoning
General Advice
Advice regarding approval requirements and processes
Change of use, subdivision and development
Planning portal assistance
Project Coordination
Coordination of consultants
Stakeholder consultation
Project management
Advocacy
Preparation of written submissions/objections
Representation at Council or Planning Panels Victoria
Get in touch to discuss how we can assist you with your upcoming project.
Our Work
We have successfully secured approvals for a wide range of projects including:
Dwellings and multi-dwelling proposals
Commercial and industrial developments
Holiday accommodation
Seniors housing
Subdivisions
Rural workers accommodation
Function centres
Agricultural infrastructure
Sheds
Pools
See examples below
About us
Kate O’Neill - Principal
BARHAM - 0405 723 515
Acre is led by Kate O’Neill, a registered town planner and corporate member of the Planning Institute of Australia. Kate has over 18 years of experience working in a wide range of planning roles in government and the private sector across Australia.
Kate’s breadth of planning experience, which includes senior leadership roles in state government and the private sector, has provided exposure to a broad range of town planning issues including infill development, infrastructure planning and delivery, strategic planning, development assessment, natural resource management, heritage conservation and stakeholder engagement.
Her previous roles have equipped her with comprehensive knowledge of the land development process and the economics of development. Kate’s passion is facilitating development projects in regional areas that enhance the economic prosperity and liveability of rural communities.
Eliza Eastman - Senior Town Planner DENILIQUIN - 0458 579 109
Days of work - MON - WED
Eliza Eastman is a qualified planner with over 12 years professional experience in the planning and development sector. She is Senior Town Planner with Acre Town Planning. Her career spans significant roles in local government, private sector and the non for profit housing sector across Australia.
Eliza has a solid understanding of development assessment, strategic planning, heritage conservation and stakeholder engagement in both NSW and Victoria.
Eliza is passionate about rural and regional communities and understands the complexities and issues associated with development in these areas. She has a solid understanding of local and state planning instruments and has demonstrated ability to find solutions to assist development through the planning process.
Eliza Noakes - Senior Town Planner
PARKES - 0447 314 359
Days of work - MON, TUE, THUR
With over seven years of town planning experience across officer to managerial levels in regional council, Eliza brings a high level of expertise to Acre Town Planning. Most recently, Eliza served as the Manager of Development and Planning at Forbes Shire Council, leading a multidisciplinary team and managing an array of complex development applications and strategic planning projects.
From significant greenfield subdivisions to childcare centres, rural and manufacturing industries, as well as various rezonings and strategic planning projects, Eliza has a proven track record of delivering thoughtful and efficient solutions that support community growth and sustainability.
Contact Us
We would love to assist you with your next planning or development project. Contact us via the details below or fill in the form
Barham 0405 723 515
Deniliquin 0458 579 109
Parkes 0447 314 359
PO Box 11, Barham NSW 2732
Frequently Asked Questions
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A town planning consultant helps individuals, businesses, and developers navigate the complex process of obtaining planning approvals. We assess project feasibility, prepare and lodge development applications, liaise with councils, and ensure compliance with local planning regulations. Our goal is to streamline the approval process, saving you time, stress, and unnecessary costs.
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What is the difference between a DA and a CDC in NSW?
A Development Application (DA) is a formal request for planning approval submitted to the local council. It is assessed against local planning controls and policies.A Complying Development Certificate (CDC) is a streamlined approval process for projects that meet specific pre-determined planning and building criteria. CDCs are faster than DAs and are approved by a private certifier instead of the council. We can help determine whether your project qualifies for a CDC or if a DA is required.
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The cost of engaging a town planner varies depending on the complexity and size of the project. Contact us for an obligation-free quote tailored to your project.
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Acre Town Planning provides services across Victoria and NSW. With staff located in Barham, Deniliquin and Parkes our service area extends from Dubbo in the north to Ballarat in the south and everywhere in between. However, if your project or enquiry falls outside of this area don't hesitate to reach out as we may still be able to assist. If you're unsure whether we service your location, get in touch!
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We have expertise and experience facilitating a range of project types including:
Subdivision Applications
Change of Use
Multi-dwelling projects
Sheds and garages
Commercial and Retail development
Industrial developments
Moveable dwellings
Manufactured Homes Estates
Licensed premises
Farm sheds and agricultural infrastructure
Rural Workers accommodation
Tourism and visitor accommodation
s.68 approvals for on-site sewage management systems
Waiver of parking
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Planning approval is required for most developments, including new buildings, renovations, subdivisions, and land use changes. The type of approval needed depends on your State, planning controls affecting your property, the nature of the project, and local council regulations. We can assess your project and advise on the specific approvals required.
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The required documents depend on the type of application but may include:
Site plans and elevations
Statement of Environmental Effects or planning assessment
Engineering and drainage plans
Feature Survey
In some cases, specialist reports such as Bushfire Assessments, heritage impact assessments, or environmental reports (which we can obtain on your behalf)
Owner's consent forms
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Approval timelines vary depending on the type of application:
DA approvals can take 6–12 weeks or longer, depending on council workload and complexity.
CDC approvals can often be issued in as little as 2 weeks if all documents are in order.
We can provide an estimate based on your project and help avoid unnecessary delays. -
A Statement of Environmental Effects (SEE) is a document required for most Development Applications. It explains how a proposed development complies with council regulations and assesses potential environmental impacts. This includes factors like noise, traffic, and heritage considerations.
We prepare detailed SEEs to support your application and ensure all planning requirements are met.
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Yes! We can assist with lodging residential Construction Certificates (CC) and building permits with your preferred building surveyor if required. These approvals are required before construction can begin.
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What are the benefits of engaging a private planning consultant?
Working with a private town planner offers several advantages:
Expert guidance – We understand the planning system and can simplify complex processes.
Faster approvals – We ensure your application is complete and meets all requirements, reducing delays.
Reduced stress – We handle the paperwork, council negotiations, and compliance issues.
Increased success rate – A well-prepared application improves your chances of approval.