I must admit to being a bit irritated when people talk about “the strata” doing (or not doing) things that they think should or should not be done. Do they mean the managing agent (who acts on behalf of the owners), the Executive Committee (who are responsible to their fellow owners) or the general body of owners (which includes the complainant)? My view is that we, the owners, are all “the strata” and we have a joint and individual responsibility for the proper management of our shared asset.
In response to David’s specific question, did he learn of this application from the local council? In my area (eastern Sydney), the local council advises individual owners potentially affected by a proposed development and invites comment. It is open such owners to express objections and, if David has concerns, he should certainly take advantage of the opportunity. I am not sure what collective standing the owners of a strata plan may have in such a situation, but no-one will be shot for trying by filing a joint response to the application.