Directions by the Minister
The Minister for Planning, under section 94E of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979, may issue general or particular directions to local councils in relation to the development contributions they can impose.
Current section 94E directions
Minister’s determinations regarding exemptions
As part of the Government’s review of local contributions plans, a number of councils have sought exemption from the Minister’s section 94E direction 
(issued 13 January 2009), which sets a maximum $20,000 levy per lot. The following are the Minister’s determinations for each council (letter and new section 94E direction, as relevant):
- Exemption approvals (in part or whole)
Bathurst Regional Council, Blacktown City Council, Camden Council, Campbelltown City Council, Council of the City of Sydney, Hawkesbury City Council, Holroyd City Council, Ku-ring-gai Council, Lake Macquarie City Council, Leichhardt Municipal Council, Liverpool City Council, Maitland City Council, Palerang Council, Penrith City Council, Pittwater Council, Shoalhaven City Council, The Hills Shire Council, Tweed Shire Council, Wollondilly Shire Council, Wyong Shire Council, Yass Valley Council
- Exemption refusals and withdrawals
Coffs Harbour City Council, Council of the Municipality of Hunters Hill, Lane Cove Council, Manly Council, North Sydney Council, Port Macquarie Hastings (withdrawn)
Technical advice
Planning circulars
- 15 September 2009: Planning circular – Building Education Revolution Program – section 94E Direction
- 21 July 2009: Planning circular – Complying development – certifiers to follow Minister's directions on development contributions
- 23 January 2009: Planning circular – Review of local contributions – section 94E Direction
- 23 December 2008: Planning circular – Review of infrastructure contributions
- 6 November 2007: Planning circular – Infrastructure contributions
- 6 December 2006: Planning circular – Changes to the application of section 94A of the EP&A Act – Ministerial Direction
Practice notes
The Department has published a series of practice notes to assist councils, applicants and the community in understanding the NSW development contributions system. They should always be read in conjunction with later advice relating to updated policies and reforms to the development contributions system. Note: These practice notes do not constitute legal advice. Users are advised to seek professional advice and refer to the relevant legislation, as necessary, before taking action in relation to any matters covered by the notes.