Opinion by Lynne Strong

Have you ever wished that development promises would materialise exactly as depicted in those beautiful pictures? Trust and transparency are essential for successful urban development, instilling confidence within communities and ensuring projects adhere to the highest standards of integrity. Voluntary Planning Agreements (VPAs) play a pivotal role in upholding these values, acting as a crucial mechanism that binds developers to their commitments while securing public benefits.

VPAs are legal agreements between planning authorities, such as local councils, and developers. Established under the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 in New South Wales (NSW), Australia, VPAs outline the contributions developers will make toward public amenities and services during the development approval process. They go beyond typical development contributions, encompassing a wide range of infrastructure projects, including roads, public transport facilities, parks, recreational centres, and environmental conservation efforts. The flexibility inherent in VPAs allows tailored negotiations based on community needs.

By aligning developer goals with community interests, VPAs lead to higher-quality urban design and sustainability. These agreements undergo public consultation and must be publicly registered, ensuring transparency and community understanding.

Once a VPA is in place, it legally binds the developer to deliver the agreed-upon contributions. Whether it’s infrastructure improvements or community facilities, the community can trust that promises will be fulfilled. The negotiation and finalisation of VPAs involve public consultation, where the community can review the contributions agreed upon by the developer and provide feedback. This openness fosters trust among the community, planning authorities, and developers. VPAs cannot be unilaterally changed by developers. If commitments are not met, planning authorities can take legal action, ensuring accountability and safeguarding community interests.

VPAs ensure that development projects contribute positively to the community. When you see those beautiful pictures in a development application, rest assured that a VPA is in place to reflect best practices in housing development—delivering quality, sustainability, and community benefits.

VPAs create a reality where promises are kept, trust is built, and development projects enhance both current needs and the long-term well-being of the community. When you envision a better urban landscape, VPAs ensure that vision becomes a tangible reality.