The delivery of homes will be fast-tracked in regional communities experiencing housing pressure, ahead of the NSW Government’s initial response to the Regional Housing Taskforce recommendations.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW Paul Toole said applications are open for eligible councils to share in $30 million to fast-track supply of shovel-ready land and deliver more homes for families across regional NSW, as an immediate first step to address the Taskforce’s recommendations at a local level.
“We are getting on with the job of helping eliminate the housing pressures in the bush, and this first wave of funding will ensure regional councils help get new homes built where they’re needed most as quickly as possible,” Mr Toole said.
“Eligible councils can apply for up to $1.4 million each in funding for enabling infrastructure and public spaces, if they can demonstrate they will speed up the delivery of new housing.
“This funding builds on the $75 million being invested by the NSW Government to help deliver new accommodation in the regions for health workers close to the facilities where they are caring for our communities.”
Minister for Planning and ³Ô¹ÏÍøÕ¾s Anthony Roberts said the grants would support the next generation of exciting projects for each region.
“New homes need new infrastructure – parks, kerbs, guttering and new roads. This funding supports councils to deliver this infrastructure so we can keep tradies working and get more homes built,” Mr Roberts said.
“Housing issues are widespread and complex, so there isn’t a quick fix, but we aren’t wasting any time. We will continue working on a comprehensive whole-of-government response.”
Chair of the Regional Housing Taskforce Garry Fielding welcomed the Government’s approach in quickly addressing the recommendations.
“I am very pleased to see the Government’s commitment and support in addressing housing supply and affordability challenges along the coast and in the bush,” Mr Fielding said.
“This $30 million is a great first step towards easing housing pressures across regional NSW.”
Funding is available to 21 regional councils that are experiencing some of the highest growth.
Eligible councils include Ballina, Bathurst Regional, Bega Valley, Broken Hill, Central Coast, Eurobodalla, Goulburn Mulwaree, Griffith, Kempsey, Lismore, Lithgow, MidCoast, Mid-Western Regional, Orange, Queanbeyan-Palerang, Richmond Valley, Singleton, Snowy Monaro, Tamworth Regional, Tweed Shire and Wagga Wagga.
To qualify, councils will need to prepare and implement plans to address the Taskforce’s recommendations at a local level, such as updating infrastructure contributions plans and housing strategies.
Applications close on the 11 March 2022.
