Initiated by WA Local Government Association and Urban Development Institute of Australia WA Division (UDIA) nearly three years ago, the policy enables Local Governments to outline development contribution plans to ensure all developers in new areas contribute to shared community infrastructure. 

WALGA President Cr Bill Mitchell welcomed the gazettal of the policy, saying it would result in community infrastructure being made available to local communities in a timely manner, with equity in contributions across developers.

“The policy ensures that contributions are fair and are only made to meet the need created by new growth,” Cr Mitchell said.

“It allows Local Government to prepare and adopt community development contribution plans in line with their strategic plans and the needs of the local community.

“This new process will mean that all developers, large and small will contribute to shared infrastructure, and will also demonstrate the significant contributions made by Local Governments themselves.”

Cr Mitchell said the Policy and Local Government guidelines were written by an independent consultant with expertise in the planning and development fields after negotiations and workshops between the Local Government sector and development industry representatives.

“This represents a good example of collaboration between spheres of government and industry,” Cr Mitchell said.

“It is another step towards good governance and proper financial management of community assets, which has been identified as a key factor in ensuring Local Government sustainability.”

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