planning · Burwood Council
Burwood developer must pay $8m contribution under staged agreement for three sites
The amended Voluntary Planning Agreement covers 17 and 21 George Street and 28-34 Victoria Street, with payments staged alongside the release of land titles.
The developer behind projects at three Burwood sites must pay an $8 million contribution under an amended planning agreement, with payments allowed to be staged as land titles are released.
Burwood Council authorised its General Manager to finalise and sign the amended Voluntary Planning Agreement for 17 George Street, 21 George Street and 28-34 Victoria Street. The contribution is for open space, community facilities, public infrastructure or other public purposes determined by Council.
The underlying development adds four to five storeys to each building and provides 29 additional dwellings in a mixed-use building under construction. The variation does not change the approved development or reduce the total contribution.
The proponent requested the change in July 2026 to allow staged payments and the corresponding staged release of land titles. The General Manager was also authorised to make necessary amendments to the agreement and sign it and related documents under Council’s power of attorney.
A draft deed of variation was exhibited from 19 August to 16 September 2026 and received one submission. It raised concerns about density, traffic, infrastructure, local character, transparency and public benefit.
Council considered those issues had been addressed through the development assessment process, and that the variation was limited to administrative and payment arrangements. The resolution requires the developer to pay the monetary contribution according to the updated schedule.
The decision was moved by Councillor Sukirti Bhatta and seconded by Councillor De Yi Wu-Coshott. It passed without opposition among the five councillors voting.
Mayor John Faker left the meeting after declaring a less than significant non-pecuniary interest because a relative was employed by a company that may have a commercial arrangement to supply energy to the building when completed. He did not take part in the discussion or decision.
The General Manager must now complete and execute the amended agreement, with the developer to pay the contribution under the revised schedule.
Reference minutes
Burwood Council considered the amended agreement at its Council Meeting on 22 September 2026.
Key facts from the minutes
- The agreement covers 17 George Street, Burwood, 21 George Street, Burwood and 28-34 Victoria Street, Burwood.
- The developer contribution is $8 million.
- The contribution may fund open space, community facilities, public infrastructure or other public purposes determined by Council.
- The development adds four to five storeys to each building and provides 29 additional dwellings.
- The draft deed was exhibited from 19 August to 16 September 2026 and received one submission.
- The amended agreement allows staged payments and corresponding staged release of land titles.
- The resolution passed without opposition among the five councillors voting, with Mayor John Faker absent for the item because of a declared interest.
Why it matters
- The agreement preserves an $8 million developer contribution linked to three Burwood sites while allowing the payments to be made in stages.