Who Has Authority in DA1305?

The following is an extract from a letter copied to the BCCT by it's author, a resident of Beecroft.  It refers to a response from the Mayor sent to people who protested about DA1305.

Mr. Mahony,

The below response from Nick is quite confusing. He states that Council has limited authority with which to reject this application however, as per the attached  letter from Greg Smith MP, it seems that the State Government also denies responsibility for the decision.

Please let us know who has the ultimate authority in this case? 

The council elected by the Ratepayers, the State member elected by the citizens of NSW, or a non-elected Panel consisting of people who may or may not have any interest or affiliation with the area affected by their decision?

Regards