When amending a permit application, what is the difference between a minor route variation and adding a route or area?

Answer: 

A minor change/variation is where the physical pathway connecting two locations varies and the two locations remain the same. This change/variation does not attract an application fee and is processed as an amendment. See Figure 1 – Example 1.

A new application is required for adding a route and/or area. This is defined by adding a location that was not originally identified and that change significantly amends the pathway and journey locations. See Figure 1 – Examples 2 and 3. 

For more information, read the Fact Sheet available on the NHVR Website.

Reference for defining route: Austroads Guide to Road Transport Planning 2009