The Development Assessment Panel (DAP) is an independent decision-making body established in July 2011. The panel consist of five members being three independent technical experts and two elected local government representatives.
The DAP determines development applications on behalf of the local government and/or the Western Australian Planning Commission (WAPC).
DAPs were combined to service more than one local government area, noting the City of Cockburn is within the
Metro Outer Joint Development Assessment Panel (JDAP), which also covers the local government areas of: Armadale, Gosnells, Joondalup, Kalamunda, Kwinana, Mandurah, Mundaring, Murray, Rockingham, Serpentine-Jarrahdale and Swan.
Under the
Development Assessment Panel (DAP) Regulations 2011, some applicants can choose to have their development application determined by the City of Cockburn or the JDAP, whilst other applicants
must have their development application determined by the JDAP – this depends on the nature and cost of the development proposed.