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.
However, LGNSW President Cr Darriea Turley said it was nowhere near what was needed by the 21 councils eligible to receive the first wave of funding.
“The 21 councils will only be eligible to receive up to $1.4 million each, which won’t make a huge dent in benefiting the communities,” LGNSW President Cr Turley said.
“Councils are facing huge skills shortages and are struggling to find staff to review development applications, construction certificates and other construction-related approvals.”
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.”
Cr Turley, Mayor of Broken Hill one of the 21 elligible councils, said housing pressures and extremely limited social housing availability are causing severe impacts on the community, and it has a domino effect on councils as they try to provide the infrastructure needed to better their communities.
“Councils are best placed to identify local needs and suitable responses to the housing crisis, which is why a strong partnership approach by local government and the State Government is imperative,” she said.
“Without that partnership approach, Government is essentially imposing cookie-cutter solutions that are unlikely to deliver a long-term solution – all at great public cost.”
Minister for Planning and Homes 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.”
Cr Turley said LGNSW particularly welcomes the taskforce’s specific recommendation to provide more affordable and diverse housing around regional NSW.
“It’s also good to see the recognition that housing costs are driven by a range of factors such as financial and taxation systems, population growth, demographic change and interest rates,” she said.
“LGNSW and regional councils have consistently argued that a collaborative approach across all levels of government and significant funding investment are the only way we will be able to make a difference and start to resolve the housing crisis.
“An additional 5,000 units of social housing across NSW would require investment of about $2.6 billion over the next 10 years would be a good start.”
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, Mid-Coast, 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.
For more information visit www.planning.nsw.gov.au/regional-housing-fund
