SMB Developments made an offer to Great Lakes Council in mid 2006 to enter into a Voluntary Planning Agreement in connection with Draft Great Lakes Local Environmental Plan - Amendment No. 45. LEP Amendment No.45 was gazetted on 23 February 2007. The Agreement was adopted by Council on 27 February 2007.

The effect of the Planning Agreement will be the payment by SMB Developments to the Council of a contribution of $3,440,717.81 (calculated at current s94 rates) towards the provision of services and facilities that will benefit the public.

The Agreement also requires the construction of intersection and drainage works required for the development of the land. The VPA includes an amount of $1,000,000.00, for off-site planning benefits for the wider community. These funds will be in addition to the standard s94 contributions that will be payable to Council as development of the land proceeds.

The funds will be expended so as to give better planning outcomes for the residents of, and visitors to, Forster/Tuncurry. Examples of some areas of expenditure include enhanced recreational and cultural facilities, walking trails, completion of town centre and lakeside improvements and environmental enhancement works and activities.