There is NO reason why you need to sign the contract prior to approvals, and if you have handed over that amount of money you should basically be covered for…

Having just gone through the process what I will say is check, double check, tripple check and get someone else to check before signing the contract. Once you sign those…

Thank you for your response especially the links which provided me with more incidents about the subject matter.
I agree with you not signing the building contact until the DA is…

I recommend you don't sign Building contracts unless the Development Application (DA) is approved
There is nothing stopping you doing your own design,engineering DA and then getting 3 builders to quote
OT…