FAQs
- the value of existing infrastructure that supports future growth
- the cost of future infrastructure required to service growth
- projected future population and development growth
- income that Council expects to recover through future sewerage charges and fees.
- upgrades to sewer collection networks
- sewer pump station upgrades
- rising main upgrades
- treatment plant upgrades
- biosolids treatment infrastructure
- deep sea release duplication
- supporting infrastructure associated with future growth.
What is a Development Servicing Plan?
A Development Servicing Plan (DSP) is a strategic and financial planning document that sets out how developer charges are calculated for water or sewer services. It identifies infrastructure required to service future development and establishes a fair way of recovering a portion of those costs from growth.
Why do developer charges exist?
Developer charges help fund infrastructure needed as new homes, businesses and developments are built.
Without developer charges, the cost of providing additional capacity for growth would be borne primarily by existing customers through rates and utility charges. Developer charges help ensure growth contributes towards the cost of the infrastructure it requires.
Will existing residents have to pay this charge?
Generally, no.
Developer charges apply to eligible new development, redevelopment or changes of land use that increase demand on the sewerage system. Existing properties that have already paid applicable charges are not affected.
How was the proposed charge calculated?
The calculation follows the NSW Developer Charges Guidelines.
The methodology considers:
Why is the proposed charge the same across the local government area?
The draft proposes a single sewerage developer charge across all areas serviced by Council's sewerage systems.
This reflects the fact that key infrastructure, including treatment facilities, recycled water systems, biosolids management and shared network assets, operate together to service the broader community.
What growth has been planned for?
The DSP includes growth projections through to 2056.
The total number of equivalent tenements across the service area is forecast to increase from approximately 34,570 in 2024/25 to approximately 67,634 by 2055/56. These forecasts help determine future infrastructure requirements.
What major infrastructure projects are planned?
Projects identified in the DSP include:
Are environmental impacts considered?
Yes.
The sewerage system must comply with environmental protection requirements, environmental licence conditions and performance standards relating to wastewater treatment, effluent quality and recycled water management. The infrastructure identified in the DSP helps Council continue meeting these obligations as demand increases.
What is a Water Reclamation Plant?
A Water Reclamation Plant (WRP) is a wastewater treatment facility that receives sewage from homes and businesses, treats it to required environmental standards and manages treated water and biosolids.
Council operates major Water Reclamation Plants at Coffs Harbour, Moonee and Woolgoolga.
Does the DSP pay for all sewer infrastructure in a new subdivision?
No.
Developers remain responsible for the full cost of designing and constructing sewer reticulation infrastructure within their development and connecting it to Council's network. These works are separate from the DSP developer charge.
How often is the DSP reviewed?
The DSP is expected to be reviewed every 4 to 8 years, or sooner if there are significant changes to growth projections, infrastructure requirements, development patterns or NSW Government policy.
Will the developer charge change over time?
Yes.
The developer charge will be indexed quarterly in line with the Consumer Price Index (CPI) between major reviews to ensure costs remain current and reflect changes in economic conditions.