17 March 2017 – Media Release
Cumberland Council will bring a consistent approach to Section 94 development contributions, which will see more money flow from developers into local infrastructure.
Under the Environmental and Planning Assessment Act, local governments can levy property developers to boost local infrastructure, known as Section 94 or Section 94A contributions. The levy’s importance can be seen in the soon to be opened Ruth Everuss Aquatic Centre, which benefited from $8.87M in developer contributions.
Cumberland Council inherited a range of different plans of managing these contributions, with Auburn Council’s out-dated plan bringing in significantly less money than neighbouring Holroyd.
Council has proposed overhauling the current arrangements and introducing a whole-of-Council development contribution plan. Independent consultants have begun reviewing existing plans and with Council will develop a uniformed approach cross the LGA, resulting in the best deal possible for residents.
Cumberland Council General Manager, Malcolm Ryan, said the new plan would mean Auburn residents were no longer second class citizens when it came to Section 94 contributions.
“It is not fair that residents in the former Auburn area getting short changed. A development in Rawson Street should be subject to the same requirements as one in McFarlane Street.”
“The amalgamation has presented an opportunity to redress this imbalance. It will ensure that all our residents get the best deal possible.”
“Sydney’s property boom must be matched with equally significant investments in infrastructure. Section 94 contributions are one of the tools at our disposal to achieve this so it’s important to get it right.”
“The reform comes down to more money for the infrastructure that gives life to our neighbourhoods; things like playgrounds and playing fields, better public areas and more green spaces.”
