What are Development Contributions?

Development contributions are fees that developers pay to councils to support the extra demand their projects place on local infrastructure. These contributions help fund things like roads, footpaths, parks, drainage, community centres, open spaces, and other public services that residents of the new development will use. They ensure that growth pays for growth—meaning existing ratepayers don’t bear the cost of new infrastructure required for expanding communities. Contributions can be set through a Development Contributions Plan or negotiated via planning agreements, depending on the project and local policies.