Waverley Council's Development Contributions:

Integrating Voluntary Planning Agreements into Urban Growth

Waverley Council in New South Wales is redefining urban planning through the introduction of Voluntary Planning Agreements (VPAs) within its statutory framework. Centred on the Curlewis Street precinct in Bondi Beach, these agreements fund crucial community projects while balancing development and sustainability.

Funding Community Upgrades and Flood Management

Two new VPAs, associated with Development Applications DA-381/2023/A and DA-472/2022/B, will secure a combined $864,000 for the Curlewis Street Streetscape Upgrade and Flood Risk Management Projects. This initiative strengthens the link between private development and public benefit, improving local infrastructure and mitigating flood risks in the Bondi Basin area.

Smart Urbanism: Growth That Benefits Everyone

By leveraging VPAs, Waverley Council creates a framework where development supports community infrastructure, environmental protection, and urban livability. This model aligns with Section 7.4 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979, ensuring that private investment contributes directly to public outcomes.

Public Participation and Transparency

The proposed VPAs are on public exhibition from 30 October to 26 November 2025, inviting residents, planners, and developers to have their say. This open consultation builds trust, accountability, and inclusivity, reflecting a growing shift towards community-driven urban policy.

Challenges and Responsibilities for Developers

Implementing VPAs introduces complexities such as agreement registration and financial securities like bank guarantees. Developers must navigate these requirements carefully, while councils ensure that contributions are appropriately managed and transparently applied to local needs.

Building Flood Resilience and Climate-Ready Communities

The focus on flood risk management highlights Waverley’s proactive approach to climate resilience. Enhancing Curlewis Street not only improves the urban experience but strengthens Bondi Beach’s ability to withstand environmental pressures linked to urban density and extreme weather.

Setting a New Benchmark for NSW Councils

Waverley Council’s leadership in employing VPAs signals a new era of sustainable, collaborative planning in New South Wales. As local governments take a more active role in shaping their communities, these agreements demonstrate how policy, transparency, and shared responsibility can transform urban development.

Towards a More Sustainable Urban Future

The Curlewis Street VPAs serve as a model for equitable, resilient urbanism—where development, sustainability, and community priorities intersect. By aligning private contributions with public good, Waverley Council continues to pave the way for cities built on partnership, foresight, and accountability.