Maitland Council's fast DA approvals secure $2 million for Rutherford oval upgrade
Maitland City Council(Maitland City Council)
Newy 87.8 FM – Maitland City Council has secured a $2 million funding injection through the NSW Government's Faster Assessments Incentive Program, thanks to its speed in assessing development applications.
The council's average DA assessment timeframe of 85 days during the 2024/25 financial year sits well below the state benchmark of 115 days. The state program last month announced more than $54 million in local infrastructure spending.
The $2 million will fund stage two redevelopment works at Max McMahon Oval in Rutherford. The proposed multipurpose facility is set to include a community event room, storage space, accessible toilets and fencing.
Maitland Mayor Philip Penfold said the new building would be "a fantastic addition for local sporting clubs and residents in Maitland's west", supporting groups including the Maitland Saints Club and Western Suburbs Cricket Club.
Council's Director City Planning Trevor Ryan said the outcome was significant given the volume and complexity of development assessed in Maitland, including major greenfield subdivisions. Only three councils in the state – Sydney, Newcastle and Mid-Coast – assessed more DAs with a lower average assessment in the same timeframe.
In 2024/25, Maitland City Council assessed 858 DAs, totalling $483 million in development cost.
The stage two works follow a $3.1 million, grant-funded amenities building at the oval which opened in March this year.
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