Suspending processing

The applicant may suspend the processing of a notified application at any time before the hearing commences (or a decision is made if there is no hearing). The applicant must lodge a written or electronic request with the consent authority. The consent authority must give written or electronic notice of the date on which the suspension started. ⁴¹⁷⁹

The suspension of processing of an application ceases when the applicant requests ⁴¹⁸⁰  or when 130 or more working days have passed. ⁴¹⁸¹

The applicant may suspend the processing of a non-notified application any time from the date on which the application is first lodged with the local authority and:

• The hearing is complete; or
• A decision is received if a hearing is not held; or
• A different decision is made on notification and the application becomes notified. ⁵¹⁵³

A non-notified application can be suspended for up to 20 working days, either under one or a number of suspension requests.  After that time period the consent authority must either return or process the application. ⁵¹⁵⁴

A request for suspension cannot be made if the application was considered under a streamline decision-making process and the applicant has lodged a notice of motion with the Environment Court, the Minister has referred the matter direct to the Environment Court or a board of inquiry, or the application has already been suspended for 20 working days or more. ⁵¹⁵⁵

Last updated at 4:48PM on August 20, 2021