Infrastructure funding policies

Infrastructure improves our quality of life, making our cities and regions better places to live

People cycling along the Glebe foreshore and park area. Credit: Lisa Madden/DPHI

Infrastructure is key to the liveability of communities and helps to create vibrant places. There are many ways infrastructure can be funded, including through infrastructure contributions.

Infrastructure contributions are payments made by developers when development occurs that help pay for the infrastructure needed to support development. They are one source of funding for councils and the NSW Government to deliver local, regional and state infrastructure.

Infrastructure contributions help fund new infrastructure, supporting additional residents and workers. This infrastructure can include transport infrastructure, stormwater and drainage systems, open space, sports and recreation facilities, and certain community services.

Read the Guide to infrastructure contributions – 2025 (PDF, 449 KB) for more details.

Go to Local infrastructure contributions practice notes for more detail.

What are infrastructure contributions?

In NSW, infrastructure contributions play an important role in making sure this infrastructure is adequately provided.

Fountain at Rouse Hill Town Centre, Sydney. Credit: NSW Department of Planning and Environment / Salty Dingo

We’re committed to improving the infrastructure contributions system to make it more transparent and easier to use.

Female friends walking in park area at Salt Pan Creek reserve in Riverwood, South Sydney NSW. Credit: NSW Department of Planning and Environment / Adam Hollingworth

How councils collect infrastructure contributions to help fund local parks, footpaths, roads and other community facilities.

A man and woman walk through Arncliffe Park, Arncliffe, NSW. Credit: NSW Department of Planning and Environment / Adam Hollingworth

How the NSW Government collects infrastructure contributions to help fund key metropolitan and regional infrastructure like roads and rail.