Developer contributions (Section 64)

Under Section 64 of the Local Government Act 1993 and Sections 305 to 307 of the Water Management Act 2000, developer contributions may be applicable where a development imposes on the water supply and sewerage system.

The Act outlines that developer contributions may be subject to:  

• The erection, enlargement or extension of a building or the placing or relocating of a building on land.
• The subdivision of land.
• The change of use of land or of any building situated on the land.

Charges are based on the impact your development will have on water and sewer systems, using an "Equivalent Tenement" (ET) measure. The number of ETs depends on the type and scale of your development, and may be calculated using:

• Number of lots (e.g. residential subdivisions)
• Number of bedrooms (e.g. dual occupancies)
• Number of cabins/sites (e.g. caravan parks)
• Floor area (e.g. commercial buildings)
• Number of people (e.g. churches, childcare centres)
• Number of units (e.g. laundromats, hospitals)
• Water usage (e.g. high-water-use developments)
• A mix of the above for complex developments

Tip: ET factors for water and sewerage may differ.

For a detailed example, refer to our policy: Water and Sewerage Headworks Charges (s64 Contributions) – Assistance for Developments.

Developer contributions will be outlined in your Water Development Notice, which includes an estimated charge based on the current financial year’s fees. For accurate and up-to-date charges, please ensure you request an updated invoice as part of your application.

A Certificate of Compliance will not be issued until all contributions are paid. Failure to make payment may result in legal action.

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