How much does a town planning consultant cost?
A town planning consultant in Australia typically costs $1,500–$5,000 to prepare a development application planning report, from around $300 for initial advice up to $15,000+ for complex applications.
Typical price band
$3,000typical
standard job $1.5k–$5k
$300 low$15,000 high
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Real-world examples
Initial planning advice$300 – $1,200
Planning report for a DA$1,500 – $5,000
Complex application$5,000 – $15,000
What affects the price
— Proposal complexity. Compliant proposals need less analysis than ones seeking variations from the planning scheme.
— Overlays and constraints. Heritage, flood, bushfire and vegetation overlays each add assessment work.
— Council and state. Requirements and document names differ across states and even neighbouring councils.
— Sub-consultants. Traffic, acoustic, arborist or heritage reports are extra and often council-mandated.
— Objections and appeals. Responding to objections or going to a tribunal adds substantial time and cost.
Tips before you post
— Spend on early advice before buying or designing — knowing the planning constraints first saves redesign fees.
— Ask for a fixed fee with a clear list of inclusions, and confirm council lodgement fees are separate.
— A pre-lodgement meeting with council, arranged by your planner, often prevents expensive requests for information later.
Beyond the price: Using a town planner: getting a development application through council
Read the guide →Other costs in this category
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