Planning Agreements

A Planning Agreement is a legal agreement between a developer and a planning authority (for example the Minister for Planning and Public Spaces or local Council). The development contributions system operates under the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act, 1979.

Planning Agreements can deliver and/or fund:

• public amenities and services
• affordable housing
• transport or other infrastructure

• conservation or enhancement of the natural environment.

Contributions can be made through:

• dedication of land
• monetary contributions

• construction of infrastructure

VPAs cannot be entered into unless public notice has been given and an explanatory note is made available for inspection for at least 28 days.

Council currently has the following Planning Agreements:

• Cadia East
• Flyers Creek
• McPhillamy’s Gold Project

Planning agreements with the Department of Planning, Industry and Environment are referred to as State Voluntary Planning Agreements (SVPA) to differentiate them from local council planning agreements.