Almost 24,000 new regional homes are set to be delivered across 16 mainly country NSW council areas thanks to a NSW Government scheme.
The second round of the Regional Housing Strategic Planning Fund will deliver nearly $3million in funding with grants of up to $250,000 to councils from the North Coast to the Central West and the Riverina.
NSW Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said the Councils would use the funds to accelerate delivery of new homes in the regions through new housing strategies, preparation of infrastructure and servicing plans, and amendments to local environmental plans to bring forward the construction of more diverse and affordable housing.
“This is about supporting regional councils to undertake vital efforts to speed up housing delivery for regional communities,” he said.
“Regional NSW plays an important role in the housing supply story for the state, and in making sure that NSW meets its targets under the National Housing Accord.
“These 16 grants will help deliver the important planning work needed to boost housing supply, affordability, and diversity and support growing regional communities.
“We are focused on better coordinating housing and infrastructure delivery across the state while making sure regional homes are ready for the hazards of the future.”
The minister said more people were choosing to live in regional NSW, but homes for purchase and rent have become more expensive and harder to find, so delivering more regional housing supply is vital.
These grants are part of a suite of initiatives aimed at driving regional housing supply – including expansion of the Government’s Urban Development Program, the Regional Housing Flying Squad, the Regional Housing Fund and the Accelerated Infrastructure Fund.
These initiatives are helping to speed up the delivery of homes through the planning system, support infrastructure to enable new housing, and support the work of regional councils.
Funding for Round One of the Regional Housing Strategic Planning Fund allocated $3.85 million to 20 projects from 19 councils.
Port Stephens Council has delivered a collaboration with Homes NSW for the Raymond Terrace Sub-Precincts Master Plan to bring forward affordable housing supply in the area.
Another Port Stephens project was focused on barriers to development including drainage and local flooding, helping 500 homes in the Shoal Bay Precinct be more resilient to flood hazards.
Armidale Regional Council also received funding under Round 1 and has completed the development and implementation of its Local Housing Strategy.
The 16 projects that were funded in Round Two.
Bega Valley Shire Council, Bega Urban Land Release Planning Proposal, $250,000; Bogan Shire Council, Bogan Shire Council Local Housing Strategy $163,636; Brewarrina Shire Council, Brewarrina Local Housing Strategy and Local Environmental Plan review $75,000; Byron Shire Council, Byron Town Centre Urban Design Based Housing Density Study $239,239; Clarence Valley Council, Clarenza Structure Plan and Development Control Plan $147,000; Cowra Shire Council, Cowra Council Local Housing Strategy $92,900; Dungog Shire Council, Clarence Town Structure Plan, $170,000; Federation Council, Federation Stormwater Servicing Plan, $230,000; Forbes Shire Council, North Forbes Servicing Strategy $250,000; Greater Hume Shire Council West-Jindera Residential Land Precinct $165,000; Gunnedah Shire Council, Gunnedah Development Control Plan, Contributions Plan and Development Services Plan $202,500; Leeton Shire Council, Leeton Integrated Land-use, Infrastructure and Transport Strategy $220,000; Maitland City Council, East Maitland Catalyst Area Structure Plan and Infrastructure Needs Analysis $243,000; Mid-Western Regional Council, Mid-Western Regional Council Local Housing Strategy $195,000; Muswellbrook Shire Council, Muswellbrook Shire Council Local Housing Strategy $135,909 and Parkes Shire Council, East Parkes flood study and housing strategy review $150,000.
