We initiated this review to improve our processes for assessing local infrastructure developer contributions plans (CPs) and to update our benchmark costs for local infrastructure.
Our Terms of Reference require IPART to review each CP in accordance with the assessment criteria set out in the 2019 Practice Note, including whether the public amenities and services are on the essential works list and whether the cost estimates are reasonable. Within this framework, IPART has flexibility in determining how to assess CPs.
We have looked at our processes and guidance, consulted with a range of stakeholders and carefully considered feedback on our Discussion Paper[1], to ensure we are continually improving the way we work and providing better outcomes for the people of NSW.
We understand that delays to our assessment of CPs can have a financial impact on both councils and developers. We are refining our assessment process to make it more efficient and effective and improve the experience of our stakeholders. This includes ensuring our CP assessments have a clear timeframe for completion, with the goal to submit a final report to the Minister within 6 months of receiving the council’s application.
We have published our updated benchmark costs for local infrastructure, and we have also published an Information Paper which provides guidance to councils on how we assess CPs and the supporting evidence we need from councils.
We are improving our engagement with stakeholders to create a clearer and more transparent assessment process and to address any issues as early as possible to prevent unnecessary delays.
We are committed to continuous improvement and following implementation of these measures, we will consider whether there is anything else we can do to make our processes more efficient. We will continue to consult with all stakeholders on further enhancements we can make, including whether there might be other opportunities to make our CP assessments faster.