More than 40 people filled a room at the Otago Southland Employers Association, after the meeting was called by developer Tom Richardson.
The meeting followed the beginning of consultation over a proposed council development contribution, which would introduce charges to be paid by developers to meet what the council claims are increased demands on services such as water and wastewater, roads and reserves.
Following two meetings last month, the council agreed to delay hearings on the policy until July, after complaints not enough time was given for people to write submissions.
Mr Richardson told the meeting the council plans were "particularly significant" for developers.
"This might be the unifying thing required for us to form an association."
Sharing experiences would bring "a wealth of knowledge" to all involved.
Lawyer Phil Page, who has been dealing with the issue for a client, told the meeting he understood the idea for a development contribution had come from a Queenstown consultancy firm, which had "a bright idea about how to raise money", and took it to council staff.
Councillors did not understand how the idea had come about, and they needed to be informed, he said.
Developers "made ratepayers" for the council when they developed subdivisions, and councillors needed to be told that.
The meeting authorised a steering committee to establish the Construction Industry and Developers Association, and plans were discussed for a website to share information.
