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Report a planning breach

If you believe a development may be breaching the Planning Act 2016 (Planning Act) or the conditions of a state development approval and the matter falls within the Department’s jurisdiction, you can report a breach online.

Information to include in your report

Providing clear and detailed information in your report helps the Department assess and respond to the matter effectively. When lodging a matter, include:

  • the location of the development
  • the nature of the issue (what you believe is occurring)
  • dates, times or frequency of the potential breach
  • any photos, documents or evidence you have available
  • your contact details (optional, but it helps if follow-up is needed).

Anonymous reports can be made, but may limit the Department’s ability to investigate.

What happens after you report a breach

Once a breach is reported:

  1. Assessment: The Department determines whether the matter falls within its jurisdiction.
  2. Initial review: An Inspector may contact you for more information.
  3. Investigation: If warranted, an Inspector may inspect the site, gather information and assess compliance.
  4. Outcome: The Department decides if enforcement action is required. Outcomes may include no action, education, issuing statutory notices, or initiating proceedings.

You may be contacted if further details are required or to clarify the matter, depending on the nature of the investigation.

Last updated: 14 Oct 2026