The NSW Government introduced a special infrastructure contribution (SIC) to help fund new or upgraded infrastructure in Nowra Bomaderry and West Lake Illawarra on 4 June 2021.
The SIC will collect up to $124 million from developers to help fund:
- state and regional roads
- cycleways and footpaths
- regional open space
- fire station and community health facilities
- primary and secondary schools
- improved biodiversity.
Current rates
The SIC rate is adjusted annually according to the latest Sydney Consumer Price Index (CPI).
Illawarra-Shoalhaven SIC contribution rates – FY2023-24
Contribution rate as at 1 July 2023
| 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) | $80,913* per hectare 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) | $140,699 *º per hectare 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) | $111,210* per hectare 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 are 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.
Infrastructure contributions reform
The NSW Productivity Commissioner has proposed reforms to the infrastructure contributions system. Its recommendations include introducing transitional and savings arrangements, which may affect the Illawarra-Shoalhaven SIC.
To learn more, read Improving the infrastructure contributions system.
- Ministerial Determination: How the SIC is levied and list of infrastructure being funded
- Ministerial Direction: Conditions for development consent
- Map of where the SIC applies
- Planning Circular: Payment of infrastructure contributions or levies before issuing an occupation certificate (PDF, 225 KB)
- Submissions Summary Report: What we heard from exhibiting the draft SIC (PDF, 484 KB)
- Frequently asked questions (PDF, 2.7 MB)
For more information, phone the Housing Supply and Infrastructure team on 1300 420 596.