Development contributions

Contributions refers to the money collected to help fund infrastructure that is required as a result of development. The Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 sets out the various ways Council collects development contributions and includes:

·         Section 7.11 contributions plans (formerly known as S94)

·         Planning Agreements (also known as VPAs)

The contribution is based on the type, location and cost of development and is levied through Development Applications (DAs) and Complying Development Certificates (CDCs), including CDCs issued by accredited private certifiers. Contributions are allocated to capital projects in accordance with the works schedule in the contributions plan or VPA.

  • The Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 (EP&A Act) authorises a Consent Authority to grant consent to a proposed development subject to a condition requiring the applicant to dedicate land free of cost and / or make a monetary contribution to the Council. Such a condition can only be imposed if that development will or is likely to require the provision of, or increase the demand for, Local Infrastructure.

    Contributions of land or money required by a condition imposed under section 7.11 are to be applied towards the provision, extension or augmentation of Local Infrastructure (or towards recouping the cost of their provision, extension or augmentation).

    This plan authorises the Council or an accredited certifier to impose conditions requiring contributions on development consents or complying development certificates for the following types of development:

    • Residential development in Coolamon town, including subdivision, that increases the demand for Local Infrastructure in Coolamon town

    • Heavy Haulage Developments that will have significant impacts on rural roads.

    The plan has been prepared in accordance with the EP&A Act and Environmental Planning and Assessment Regulation 2000 (EP&A Regulation); and having regard to the latest Practice Notes issued by the NSW Department of Planning and Environment.

    The plan includes the following:

    • A schedule showing the development types that are subject to contributions, and the respective contribution rates

    • Location maps of the Local Infrastructure items supported by a works schedule setting out an estimate of their cost and staging

    • The relationship between the expected development in the Coolamon Shire and the Local Infrastructure included in this plan

    • The administrative and accounting arrangements applying to levies that are required by and collected under this plan.

    Coolamon Shire Council Section 7.11 Contributions Plan

  • A planning agreement (also known as a voluntary planning agreement) is an offer by a developer to Council to dedicate land, make monetary contributions, or provide any other material public benefit, to be used for or applied toward a public purpose. A public purpose includes the provision of:

    • a community facility;

    • affordable housing;

    • transport or other infrastructure relating to the development;

    • the funding of recurrent expenditure relating to the provision of community facilities, affordable housing or transport or other infrastructure;

    • the monitoring of the planning impacts of development; and

    • the conservation or enhancement of the natural environment.

    • Planning agreements are entered into in relation to a development application or an amendment to the Local Environmental Plan.

    Voluntary Planning Agreements (VPAs)

    This is another way of providing contributions. Some developments may seek to enter into a Planning Agreement to provide contributions instead of, or in addition to, Section 7.11 or 7.12.

    To view the register and agreements click here.

    Draft VPA’s on Exhibition