Council adopts new Development Contribution Plan

Published on 27 May 2026

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.
• Registered charities and charitable activities are exempt.
• Contributions will generally be spent within the Council ward boundaries where they are collected.

Council also considered submissions relating to large-scale developments and quarry operations, ultimately determining the proposed contribution thresholds remain appropriate to ensure developments contributing greater impacts to local infrastructure also contribute fairly to upgrades and maintenance.

The new Development Contribution Plan does not alter water, sewer or stormwater contributions collected under Section 64 of the Local Government Act 1993.

Council has committed to reviewing the policy within two years to ensure it remains effective, relevant and aligned with community and development needs.