8 December 2011
|
The Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) have published assessments of three Section 94 contributions plans for three greenfield development areas: Riverstone and Alex Avenue precincts within Blacktown City Council, and the North Kellyville precinct and Balmoral Road release area within The Hills Shire Council.
In its review of the three plans, IPART found that there were particularly high costs for land and stormwater facilities in the Riverstone and Alex Avenue precincts, and land for open space and recreation in all precincts. It is interesting to note that IPART are also of the view that the cost of infrastructure should be borne by different groups in proportion to the benefits they receive from them. For example, much of the stormwater expenditure is to improve water quality in the Hawkesbury-Nepean River. This expenditure benefits all residents of Sydney, not just those in the new growth areas where the works are located.
IPARTs Acting Chairman, Mr James Cox, said Then its reasonable that all residents of Sydney should contribute towards meeting this cost.
Further consideration of options for financing infrastructure in growth areas is therefore warranted said Mr Cox.
The IPART assessment reports are available here.
|
