Yay! We got our DA from council on 11th October with only a couple of minor conditions to be met. We have to install a privacy screen on our rear balcony and the large tree shown on the landscaping plan in the front yard must be planted 3 metres from our neighbours' boundary. Too easy.
As soon as we got a copy of the stamped DA we sent it to our bank with all the other necessary documents, i.e. copy of the builder's license and home owner's warranty insurance certificate. Three days later we had our letter from the bank for the builder confirming funds were available.
I can't believe we are almost out of admin after almost 1 year. Next step demolition of our old house. Things can finally get moving on the build.