I have been following this thread for sometime and I can now finally give my time line:
ENS 186 Direct Entry, self submitted:
Occupation: Quantity Surveyor
Employer Nomination Submitted: 19/04/2013
Approved: 19/10/2013
Duration (6 Months)
Application Submitted: 24/01/2014
Approved:10/04/2014
Duration (Just over 10 weeks)
I had been checking the satus daily on immi website including yesterday and it had not changed from "in progress" until I received an email with my grant notification this morning.
Looks like I was approved the same day as my CO was appointed.
It would appear that they are beginning to push through Jan applications now!
Be patient, so worth the wait once received!