Wollongong City Council has endorsed a draft plan that will see more than $24 million of developer contributions re-invested into public infrastructure over the next four years, ensuring the whole community benefits from increased development across the city.
Development contributions are an important mechanism for councils to assist with funding of public infrastructure required as a result of development, particularly in areas undergoing rapid growth such as the Wollongong CBD.
The updated City-Wide Development Contributions Plan endorsed by Council on Monday night outlines the ways in which Council can receive contributions across the Local Government Area outside of the West Dapto Urban Release Area, which is managed under a separate plan.
Development contributions through the City-Wide plan have provided $61 million towards funding Council projects over the past two decades, including new footpaths and cycleways, playgrounds, open space improvements and community buildings.
Lord Mayor of Wollongong Councillor Tania Brown highlighted some of the key current projects that have or will benefit from development contribution funds, with $11.4 million allocated to various works for the 2026-27 financial year.
"We've made no secret of our desire to encourage development across our LGA, from supporting growth in tourism options to increasing housing supply and supporting business growth through new commercial developments,' Cr Brown said.
"We want to encourage growth, but we need to ensure our entire community sees the benefits. With growth comes a greater demand on infrastructure and facilities across the board, so that needs to be addressed through additional funding.
"Significant development contributions funding has been allocated to projects like the Southern Suburbs Community Centre and Library, the Helensburgh Community Centre and Library and skate parks at Thirroul and in the City Centre.
"It's an important funding source and reviewing the Plan annually ensures it aligns with our Capital Works Program that delivers the essential new and upgraded facilities and infrastructure our growing community relies on."
Under the City-Wide plan, contributions are collected as fixed percentage levies based on the cost of a proposed development. These contributions are used to fund a broad range of local infrastructure priorities across the entire LGA, including upgrades of existing assets and the provision of new facilities and infrastructure to support our growing population.
The City-Wide Plan was last adopted in November 2025. The new draft Plan proposes updates to reflect Council's Draft Delivery Program 2025-2029 and Draft Operational Plan 2026-2027 which was endorsed by Council for exhibition in April.
Following council's endorsement, the draft City-Wide Development Contributions Plan will be placed on exhibition for 28 days from a date to be advised.
