The New South Wales Government has announced a major investment of almost $54 million to help councils deliver essential community infrastructure in areas experiencing rapid housing growth.
The funding is part of the Faster Assessments Incentive Program, which rewards councils that have improved development approval processes and reduced delays in delivering new homes. The first round of funding will support 30 high-performing councils across metropolitan and regional NSW with grants ranging from $1 million to $3 million.
The government says the program is designed to ensure that new housing developments are supported by the infrastructure communities need, including safer roads, public spaces, sporting facilities and recreation areas. Combined with council contributions, the projects are expected to deliver more than $106 million worth of local infrastructure improvements.
Projects funded under the program include road upgrades, community hubs, accessible playgrounds, cycling connections, mountain bike trails and sporting facilities. The investment covers communities ranging from Western Sydney growth areas to regional centres such as Albury and Wagga Wagga.
The NSW Government said councils were selected based on their ability to improve development assessment timeframes. According to the program results, successful councils have reduced average assessment periods, with metropolitan councils averaging around 89 days and regional councils around 82 days for approvals.
Planning Minister Paul Scully said faster approval processes would help more people move into new homes sooner while ensuring communities receive the facilities required to support population growth.
Among the funded projects are improvements such as:
New community facilities in Blacktown’s growing suburbs Park and recreation upgrades in Camden and Fairfield Cycling and pedestrian links across several Sydney councils Sporting infrastructure improvements in regional communities Road upgrades supporting future residential developments
Housing growth has placed increasing pressure on councils across NSW, particularly in areas where new suburbs are expanding quickly. Local governments are responsible for assessing most housing development applications, making approval speed a key factor in how quickly new homes can be delivered.
The NSW Government has also introduced broader housing initiatives aimed at increasing supply, including programs supporting faster construction methods, infrastructure investment and improved planning systems.
Regional communities are also benefiting from similar housing infrastructure programs, with previous investments supporting roads, essential services and planning projects to unlock new residential development outside Sydney.
The latest funding announcement highlights the growing focus on delivering housing together with liveable communities. Government officials say new homes must be matched with transport links, parks, recreation spaces and community facilities so that expanding suburbs remain attractive places to live.
The Faster Assessments Incentive Program will continue through additional funding rounds, with further support available for councils that maintain strong approval performance and continue improving development processes.
