We applied the planning permit ourselves and we paid the council planning application fees around $1,200 but the fees depends on your build cost. After that when we got to know that we need to submit bush fire statement, we engaged a town planner which we paid $2,900 inclusive the report plus GST. Definitely is less than $6,000. If you don't have any building restriction issues and you have time to liaise with council yourself, I would reckon to do it yourself.
Let me know if you need more information. I don't mind to share. 😊
We are in Melbourne too!
I mean we are building in Melbourne but we are living in Darwin. I was calling and coordinating with the council from Darwin!
Thank you! Who did you use for town planning? I may contact them for a quote. Yes, on top of the $6000 the council fees are about $1300