Infrastructure for new Australian housing: Who pays and how?

Abstract As Australia's population rapidly increases, Australian metropolitan strategic plans seek to ensure a balanced approach to the development of new residential areas with infrastructure facilities provided as housing construction progresses. Critical questions relate to the setting of infrastructure standards, the apportioning of costs for new infrastructure and responsibility for its provision and upkeep. The historic shift away from infrastructure funding based on general taxation to a user pays approach, raises questions about social and intergenerational equity. We explore current debates in respect of cost, value and responsibility regarding infrastructure provision in residential development. A case study of a proposed development in South Australia is used to illustrate some of these issues. Finally, new provisions introduced under South Australia's planning reform agenda are examined in light of this evidence.