On 4 June 2021, the NSW Government introduced a special infrastructure contribution (SIC) to help fund new or upgraded infrastructure in Nowra Bomaderry and West Lake Illawarra.
On 1 October 2023, the Illawarra-Shoalhaven SIC was repealed and we introduced a new approach to state infrastructure contributions called the Housing and Productivity Contribution (HPC).
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 spaces to create vibrant, liveable communities.
Development applications (DAs) lodged prior to 1 October 2023 will continue to be assessed under the SIC. Funds collected will be spent in the areas where the contributions were collected.
Current rates
The contribution rate for DAs assessed under the SIC is adjusted annually on 1 July according to the latest Sydney Consumer Price Index (CPI).
Illawarra-Shoalhaven SIC contribution rates – FY2024–25
Contribution rate as at 1 July 2024
| Class of development | Contribution rate |
|---|---|
| 1. Development on greenfield residential land that is within Nowra Bomaderry Growth Area (as identified in clause 11(1) of the Determination) | $83,962* per ha of net developable area |
| 2. Development on greenfield residential land that is within West Dapto Sub-Growth Area (as identified in clause 11(1) of the Determination) | $146,001*º per ha of net developable area |
| 3. Development on greenfield residential land that is within Calderwood Tallawarra Sub-Growth Area (as identified in clause 11(1) of the Determination) | $115,401* per ha of net developable area |
*The SIC rate is indexed annually on 1 July as outlined in Clause 12 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment (Special Infrastructure Contribution – Illawarra Shoalhaven) Determination 2021.
ºWest Dapto Sub-Growth Area is the subject of an application for biodiversity certification by Wollongong City Council. The SIC rate is subject to a further 25.4% discount in the West Dapto Sub-Growth Area for development that is approved prior to biodiversity certification being granted as per Clauses 9(3) and 17 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment (Special Infrastructure Contribution – Illawarra Shoalhaven) Determination 2021.
Requirements for certifiers
Changes to the Environmental Planning and Assessment Regulation 2000 mean certifiers must confirm that there is no outstanding SIC payment required before issuing an occupation certificate.
How to pay
To see if your development is in the SIC area or to pay your contribution, visit the SIC Online Service.
Resources
- Ministerial determination: How the SIC is levied and list of infrastructure being funded
- Ministerial direction: Conditions for development consent
- Illawarra-Shoalhaven SIC – Area map
- Planning circular – PS 20-003: Payment of infrastructure contributions or levies prior to the issuing of an occupation certificate (PDF, 216 KB)
- Illawarra-Shoalhaven SIC – Submissions Summary Report (PDF, 484 KB)
- Illawarra-Shoalhaven SIC – Frequently asked questions (PDF, 2.7 MB)
More information
For more information, phone the Housing Supply and Infrastructure team on 1300 420 596.