NSW What is the Purpose of a Building Certificate Application?

[qiqi]

Just out of curiosity, what is the purpose behind a Building Certificate Application?

I understand it prevents council from issuing an injunction or order upon unauthorised works under property law, but why does this mechanism exist? Don't council prefer remedy upon unauthorised works?

 

[Amanda E]

You'd probably have to look further into the motivation behind s149 of the Planning and Assessment Act 1979 http://www.austlii.edu.au/au/legis/nsw/consol_act/epaaa1979389/s149e.html - perhaps it wasn't drafted to protect the council's preferences.