More than 105,000 homes are set to be fast-tracked following an almost $4.4 million investment from the New South Wales Government.
Round three of the Regional Housing Strategic Planning Fund will deliver 24 councils nearly $4.4 million to unlock housing supply through strategic planning initiatives.
Grants of up to $250,000 will support councils to develop and update housing strategies, plan for infrastructure and essential services, and amend local environmental plans to bring forward the construction of more diverse and affordable housing.
Successful projects in Newcastle and the Central Coast support the NSW Government’s Transport Oriented Development reforms aimed at boosting housing supply around train stations, as well as the Low and Mid-Rise Policy which promotes more diverse housing.
Other successful projects include the South Orange Sewer Servicing Strategy, the Singleton planning control review and the Narrabri Development Control Plan update.
In 2024, the State Government set new housing targets to rebalance housing delivery across the state, regional NSW received a single target of 55,000 homes over five years. The projects funded under this program will support the delivery of this five-year target.
More people are choosing to live in regional NSW, but homes have become more expensive and harder to find, so delivering more regional housing supply is vital.
By funding local housing, planning and infrastructure projects we will build better communities across regional NSW.
Funding for the first two rounds of the Regional Housing Strategic Planning Fund allocated $6.88 million to 36 projects.
Key projects delivered so far include the Laffing Waters Master Plan Precinct Contributions Plan in Bathurst, West Dapto Town Centres Master Planning in Wollongong, and the Tamworth Regional Housing Strategy, which will help advance more homes in the pipeline.
New South Wales Minister for Planning and Public Spaces, Paul Scully, said that by investing in planning, the government is helping councils deliver the homes, parks, transport connections and infrastructure communities need, and making sure young people and families can continue to build their futures in the regions.
“Good planning unlocks opportunity. Through this fund, we’re giving councils the tools to deliver better-designed, more liveable communities across regional NSW, close to transport, jobs, and essential services,” Scully said.
Minister for Regional NSW, Tara Moriarty, said that the government is making real progress unlocking more homes across regional NSW by giving councils the support they need to plan for growth.
“This $4.4 million investment will fast-track over 105,000 homes and help ensure our growing regional communities have access to the housing, infrastructure, and services they deserve.”
