What is a SIC?
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 to support to the cost of infrastructure delivery. This contribution helps to support key infrastructure such as state and regional roads, open space, schools and health facilities-are are built in growth areas.
What do SICs deliver?
A SIC is paid by the developer in Special Contributions Areas and only on new additional development. The Department of Planning and Environment ensures contributions are reasonable and relate only to new growth.
The Minister for Planning and Public Spaces will determine whether a SIC will apply to an area after consultation with the community.
SIC User Guidelines
Everything you need to know about the SIC program is contained in the SIC User Guidelines (PDF, 7.8 MB).
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.
The guidelines detail the approach taken by the department relating to works in kind agreements, and their ongoing management.
The guidelines also cover off on each of the state’s 10 special contribution areas.
During 2023 the department will conduct information sessions to step through the processes contained in the guidelines and answer any questions.
Details of those sessions will be circulated in early 2023.
Projects funded by SICs
The NSW Government had collected more than $481 million in SICs as of September 2021.
The Department works closely with state agencies and local councils to maintain a rolling pipeline of SIC investment.
The SICs program has contributed $269 million towards building or upgrading infrastructure, and developers have provided works valued at another $315 million in place of cash payments.
Projects funded include:
- planning or delivering 41 new or upgraded roads
- securing 7 sites for future schools
- protecting 749 hectares of native vegetation in Western Sydney.
Another $136 million has been committed to existing projects and $68 million to future projects.
Use the interactive map below or a larger version of this map to see all projects in planning, underway or completed.
Paying a SIC
Paying a SIC is a condition of consent for some developments. To confirm if a SIC applies to your development, use the interactive ePlanning Spatial Viewer on the SIC Online Service. It also allows you to calculate the charge, request an assessment and communicate with the department.
Please register to start the process.
For more information, including information on previous SICs exhibited, contact us and ask for the Infrastructure and Place team.
Special contribution areas








Draft special contribution areas




