Murray River Council has adopted its new Development Contribution Plan (DCP) following a period of public exhibition.
The new Plan replaces the existing Section 7.11 framework under the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 with a simpler Section 7.12 "fixed levy" model, where contributions are calculated as a percentage of the total development cost.
Under the adopted Plan, a sliding scale will apply, with lower-value developments paying a lower percentage and higher-value developments paying a higher percentage, reflecting their relative impact on local infrastructure and services.
Mayor Cr John Harvie said the updated framework would provide greater certainty and fairness for applicants.
"The new Plan provides clarity for applicants and ensures contributions are proportionate to the scale of development, while also supporting Council's ability to deliver infrastructure upgrades needed to accommodate growth."
Council received submissions on several topics during the exhibition period, including exemptions for agricultural developments, contributions relating to single dwellings, quantity surveyor requirements, payment deferrals, not-for-profit exemptions and how contributions are spent.
In response to community feedback, several refinements were made to the final Plan prior to adoption.
This includes updating the quantity surveyor requirement threshold from developments exceeding $1 million to those exceeding $3 million, in line with NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure guidelines.
The adopted Plan also confirms:
- Single dwellings remain exempt from developer contributions.
