Council applies development contributions as conditions of consent where it considers the development is likely to increase demand for public facilities such as roads, recreation and community facilities. Contributions may only be levied in accordance with formally exhibited and adopted Contributions Plans, and the funds collected may only be spent on the facilities described in those plans.

Private home builders do not pay contributions. These are paid on each lot by the developer at subdivision stage.

The State Government will not allow contributions to exceed $20,000 a lot without special approval. About 20 Councils have approval for contributions over this threshold. In Great Lakes, most contributions amount to about $11,000 a lot, which is typical for the Mid North Coast region.

The following Contributions Plans are in place:

A summary of all information required to estimate the amount payable for particular developments is in the Developers' Guide to Section 94 Plans.  Council takes population statistics and forecasts into consideration when developing Contribution Plans.