The New South Wales government unveiled another $300m boost as part of the Accelerated Infrastructure Fund (AIF) program, with the aim of fast-tracking the delivery of projects and unlocking thousands of new homes across the state.
NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet said 41 councils experiencing high growth will be qualified for a share in the latest round of AIF.
“It is about getting keys in doors and giving people the opportunity to own their own home —to be able to unlock land and increase supply, our state needs the vital infrastructure in place to allow community growth; this includes roads, sewerage systems, stormwater drains and parks,” he said.
The AIF was first announced in April 2020 as part of the Planning System Acceleration Program that aims to cut red tape and fast-track planning processes to keep people in jobs and the construction industry moving amid the COVID-19 crisis.
During the first two rounds, the NSW Government was able to work with councils, pumping $667m towards 38 projects to unlock 100,000 homes and 685 hectares of land and create more than 3,220 jobs.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW Paul Toole said 23 of the 41 eligible councils are in the regions, which shows the state’s efforts to ease the housing pressures across the state.
“When you build a house, you have got to lay the foundations first. This funding lays the foundations to unlock more land and build thousands of homes in the communities where they are needed the most,” he said.
“It builds on the investment we’re making right across regional NSW to help fast-track construction of new homes and ease housing pressures as communities grow.”
Of the councils, 23 regional councils will be able to apply for a share of $120m, and $180m is available for 18 eligible metropolitan councils in Greater Sydney, Central Coast, Newcastle and Wollongong.
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