Development contributions plans
When new land is developed, it often increases the need for infrastructure such as roads, drainage, parks, and community facilities. A Development Contributions Plan (DCP) allows Council to collect payments from developers to fund the necessary infrastructure and services for these developments, ensuring that the growing population’s needs are met.
Development contributions
Development contributions are payments made by developers to Council for public infrastructure. These funds help provide essential services and amenities such as roads, cycleways, libraries, and shared pathways that support new developments. Council uses these contributions exclusively for infrastructure purposes.
Types of development contributions
Section 7.11 contributions+
- Legislation: Environmental Planning & Assessment Act 1979.
- Purpose: To fund infrastructure directly related to the development, such as:
- roads
- open spaces
- local recreation areas
- community facilities
- cycleways.
- Related plan:
- More information:
Section 7.12 contributions+
- Legislation: Environmental Planning & Assessment Act 1979.
- Purpose: To fund broader infrastructure needs that may not be directly related to the development but are necessary for community growth.
- Related plan:
Section 64 contributions (water and sewer headworks)+
- Legislation: Local Government Act 1993 (LGA).
- Purpose: To fund water supply, sewerage, and stormwater infrastructure, including treatment plants and pump stations.
- Related plan:
- More information:
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
How are contributions are calculated?+
The way Council calculates contributions varies, depending on the type of contribution:
- Section 7.11: Based on the estimated cost of required infrastructure and expected population growth in the area.
- Section 7.12: A levy rate is applied to the proposed cost of carrying out the development.
- Section 64: Calculated based on the cost of providing water, sewerage, and stormwater infrastructure, adjusted by the cost recovered through annual bills.
Which developments are subject to contributions?+
Council's contribution plans specify the development types and areas. Some developments, like affordable housing, may be exempt:
When are contributions due?+
Developers need to pay contributions at different stages of the development:
- Section 7.11: Before the Construction Certificate (CC), Complying Development Certificate, or Subdivision Certificate is issued.
- Section 7.12: Before the CC is issued.
- Section 64: Before the CC is issued.
What other contribution methods are available?+
Developers can contribute through planning agreements, which are voluntary agreements between the developer and Council. These can include:
- land dedication
- financial contributions
- other public benefits.
For more information, see our policy:
Voluntary planning agreement register
A voluntary planning agreement (VPA) is a legal agreement between a developer and a planning authority (like Council). It sets out the contributions or benefits that the developer agrees to provide in return for development approval.
Under the Environmental Planning and Assessment Regulation 2021, Council must maintain a public register of all current VPAs:
More information
Contact us
For more information, contact our Development Help Desk:
- T: 02 4474 1231
- E: Council's Development Help Desk