Date Time Council helps residents navigate NSW Planning Portal process Wagga Wagga City Council staff are providing a guiding hand to residents in the Local Government Area (LGA) who need assistance in lodging a development application through the NSW Planning Portal. Under mandatory changes which came into effect on 1 July, Council and applicants are required to use the NSW Planning Portal, in line with State Government legislation. It means hardcopy applications, even if it is just for a one-off project such as a new shed or pergola, are no longer accepted at Council’s Customer Service Centre. Manager Development Assessment and Building Certification Paul O’Brien said the online process can be a challenge for people who do not use the internet regularly or do not have an email address.