Special infrastructure contributions

On 1 October 2023, a new approach was introduced to state infrastructure contributions called the Housing and Productivity Contribution (HPC).

A special infrastructure contribution (SIC) is determined under the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979. It is one way the NSW Government ensures funding is available for key state and regional infrastructure required to support growing communities, allowing priority infrastructure to be delivered at the same time as development.

A SIC is paid by developers within a defined special contributions area (SCA) to help fund infrastructure delivery. This contribution helps to support key infrastructure such as state and regional roads, open space, schools and health facilities.

There are currently two active special contributions areas: the Western Sydney Growth Areas and Western Sydney Aerotropolis. Eight SCAs were repealed on 1 October 2023 with the introduction of the Housing and Productivity Contribution. The HPC now applies in all former SIC areas except Western Sydney Aerotropolis and Western Sydney Growth Areas.

The HPC applies to development applications for new residential, commercial and industrial development (including complying development and state significant development) in the Greater Sydney, Lower Hunter, Central Coast and Illawarra-Shoalhaven regions.

Funds collected under the system help to deliver essential infrastructure such as schools, hospitals, major roads, public transport infrastructure and regional open space to create vibrant, liveable communities.

A SIC is paid by the developer in Special Contributions Areas and only on new additional development. The Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure ensures contributions are reasonable and relate only to new growth.

The guidelines provide step-by-step information about how to make a SIC contribution and all other process details, development consent and complying development certificates, with handy examples of application documents.

Note: the SIC user guidelines are currently being updated and will be published on this page shortly.

The guidelines detail the approach taken by the department relating to works-in-kind agreements and their ongoing management.

The NSW Government had collected more than $640 million in SICs as of June 2024.

The department works closely with state agencies and local councils to maintain a rolling pipeline of SIC investment.

The SICs program has contributed $451 million towards building or upgrading infrastructure, and developers have provided works valued at another $441 million  in place of cash payments.

Projects funded include:

Use the map to see all projects in planning, completed or in progress.