When lodging a Development Application (DA) in New South Wales, one of the most important documents you’ll need is the Estimated Development Cost (EDC) report — also known as a DA Council Cost Report, Cost Summary Report, or Registered Quantity Surveyor (QS) Cost Report.

This report directly affects your DA fees, Section 7.11 / 7.12 contributions, Long Service Leave Levy, and the approval pathway your project follows. Ensuring accuracy is essential for avoiding delays, additional fees, or council requests for clarification.

Why Does An EDC / DA Cost Report Matter?

The NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure (DPHI) introduced the EDC as the standard benchmark for estimating project costs across the NSW planning system.

Councils use your EDC to:

• Determine the DA assessment pathway (local, regional, or state‑significant)

• Calculate DA fees, Section 7.11 contributions, and Section 7.12 levies

• Apply cost‑based levies such as the Long Service Leave Levy

• Confirm compliance with Planning Circular PS24‑002 (Feb 2024)

An inaccurate or outdated cost report can delay your DA or trigger additional review.

What Does An EDC / Council Cost Report Include?

An EDC report is an objective cost assessment prepared by a qualified quantity surveyor. It estimates the cost of carrying out the development, including:

Inclusions (as required under PS24‑002 and AIQS Practice Standard – 2nd Edition)

• Design, construction and erection of buildings

• Associated infrastructure

• Demolition and remediation

• Fixed and mobile plant and equipment

• Mitigation of impact items (as defined in the SEE or EIS)

• Furniture, fittings and equipment (where applicable)

• Consultant fees

• Authority fees (including Long Service Leave Levy)

• Contingency (minimum 5%)

• Escalation to the proposed construction commencement date

Exclusions

• Land purchase or land value

• Marketing, sales or holding costs

• Ongoing maintenance

• Finance costs

• GST

• Costs relating to separate approvals

Who Needs An EDC / DA Council Cost Report?

Under Planning Circular PS24‑002, all Development Applications lodged on or after 4 March 2024 must include a compliant Estimated Development Cost (EDC) report. An AIQS Certified Quantity Surveyor (CQS) is recognised as the appropriate professional to prepare an accurate, reliable and fully compliant EDC report for all NSW councils and government bodies.

With over 10 years of specialised experience in DA cost reporting and a fast turnaround of 1–2 business days, MSQS delivers precise, council‑ready EDC / DA Cost Reports that meet all legislative and AIQS Practice Standard requirements. Our qualifications and expertise ensure your application is accepted without delay and supported by the correct professional certification.

How Does Councils Use the EDC / DA Council Cost Report?

Your EDC determines:

• DA fees

• Section 7.11 / 7.12 contributions

• Long Service Leave Levy

• Whether your project is local, regionally significant, or state‑significant

• Whether additional documentation or peer review is required

It also forms part of your DA submission package and must comply with:

• AIQS Practice Standard – Construction Cost Assessments for NSW (2nd Edition, 2025)

• NSW Planning Portal standard forms

• Any council‑specific cost report templates

Why Choose MSQS For Your EDC / DA Council Cost Report

At MSQS, our team specialises in preparing EDC / DA Council Cost Reports that meet all NSW Planning and AIQS requirements.

We provide:

• Reports prepared by Registered Quantity Surveyors

• Compliance with PS24‑002 and AIQS 2nd Edition Practice Standard

• Clear, transparent cost breakdowns

• 1-2 Working Day Fast turnaround for DA lodgement

• Coordination with architects, designers and builders

• Accurate elemental cost schedules to avoid council delays

Our reports are accepted by all NSW councils and state authorities.

Practical Tips For Developers

• Engage your QS early — early cost input prevents last‑minute issues

• Ensure drawings match the cost report — inconsistencies trigger council review

• Keep copies for future modifications or CC/CDC applications

• Ensure the report is dated within 30 days of lodgement (mandatory under PS24‑002)

Summary

An EDC / DA Council Cost Report is a critical compliance document that influences fees, contributions, and approval pathways. A professionally prepared report ensures accuracy, transparency, and confidence in your DA submission.

If you’re preparing a DA, CDC or CC and need a reliable, compliant cost report, MSQS can assist with fast turnaround and fully compliant documentation.