They need specific borehole locations/drill sites to be...

They need specific borehole locations/drill sites to be identified prior to submitting the application for a drill permit.
Once there's a location identified, typically (for most nsw exploration leases... I assume all) you need an arch/cultural heritage study and ecological impact study done on each site.
Once these are done, you can submit the application to the department.
While I don't know who is to blame here, there are a number of parties that can hold up the process (e.g. eco assessment could have been slow coming in).

I'm happy with my small hold and if it pulls back more while we await more news I might be tempted to top up.
I missed a low a couple of months ago on an order by half a cent - oh the joys of a day job!