New customer contributions guiding resources

New customer contributions (also known as developer charges) are one-off, upfront charges that water businesses may levy when a new property connects to water, sewerage or recycled water services, or when the capacity of an existing connection is increased.

The New Customer Contributions Framework provides for two types of charges, standard and negotiated new customer contributions.

Standard new customer contributions only apply where infrastructure needs and growth are well understood and documented. This allows the commission to approve common charges for eligible connections within defined areas and connection characteristics.

Negotiated new customer contributions may be agreed in any circumstances, including where a standard new customer contribution is applicable. They may also be used where developments fall outside standard eligibility criteria, or where developments are larger or more complex. Any negotiated new customer contribution must comply with the binding new customer contribution pricing principles and be agreed in accordance with a water business’ approved negotiating framework set out in its approved connection policy.