Close to 100 councils have signed up for the project, 31 projects are on the way and 13 IT suppliers have been short-listed for the work. Streamlining DA processes is expected to cut permit processing times and save up to A$16 million per day.

Other role model councils, which are responsible for piloting and testing the new eDA software, include Redlands Shire Council, Hunters Hill and Baulkham Hills.

Project developer Cirrus Australia, which designed the toolbox, integrated a customer facing Web interface, a scripting initiative to standardize request handling, and a reform of local laws to make legal requirements consistent.

Existing vendors will be paid for the work involved in adapting their system, but at a lower cost than normal due to the large number of councils involved and negotiations.

The toolbox can be accessed at .