Regional Housing Strategic Planning Fund

Regional Housing Strategic Planning Fund – Round 4

From 8 October to 12 December 2025, up to $3 million is available in round 4 of the Regional Housing Strategic Planning Fund.

This final round brings the total NSW Government and council investment in the program to $15.4 million.

Councils can now apply under round 4 for grants of between $20,000 and $250,000 (excluding GST) to support strategies, plans and studies that boost housing supply and promote affordability, diversity and resilience. Successful applicants will be announced in April 2026.

To date, the Regional Housing Strategic Planning Fund has supported:

$15.4 million

for 49 councils (includes $4.1 million in council co-contributions).

163,658

homes supported in regional NSW (dwellings based on council estimates).

Regional Housing Strategic Planning Fund rounds

Outcomes for rounds 1, 2 and 3

Round 1 of the Regional Housing Strategic Planning Fund closed in September 2022 and provided $3.96 million to fund 20 projects across 19 regional councils. Projects funded in round 1 included a broad range of initiatives to help support and accelerate new housing supply, including:

planning strategies
planning proposals
technical studies
design guidance
infrastructure contributions plans

Projects in Round 1 will support the delivery of approximately 39,002 homes.

Successful applicants of previous rounds

Local government area	Project name	Round	Status
Albury City Council	Albury LEP amendment and toolkit for Thurgoona Growth Precinct	3	In progress
Albury City Council	Accelerating Housing in Thurgoona Wirlinga Growth Area	1	Completed
Armidale Regional Council	Armidale Local Housing Strategy development and implementation	1	Completed
Bathurst Regional Council	Laffing Waters Master Plan Precinct Contributions Plan	1	Completed
Bega Valley Shire Council	Bega Valley Local Infrastructure Contributions Plan for Wolumla	3	In progress
Bega Valley Shire Council	Bega Urban Land Release Planning Proposal	2	Completed
Bega Valley Shire Council	Urban Structure Planning for Bega and Wolumla	1	Completed
Bogan Shire Council	Bogan Shire Council Local Housing Strategy	2	Completed
Brewarrina Shire Council	Brewarrina Local Housing Strategy and Local Environmental Plan review	2	Completed
Byron Shire Council	Byron Town Centre Urban Design Based Housing Density Study	2	Completed
Central Coast Council	Central Coast Council residential zone review program	3	In progress
Central Darling Shire Council	Central Darling Shire Local Housing Strategy	3	In progress
City of Newcastle	Accelerate the place-based master planning for City of Newcastle's Transport Oriented Development precincts	3	In progress
City of Newcastle	City of Newcastle Urban Renewal Corridor project	1	Completed
Clarence Valley Council	Clarenza Structure Plan and Development Control Plan	2	In progress
Clarence Valley Council	Clarence Valley Regional Housing Strategy	1	Completed
Cobar Shire Council	Cobar Local Housing Strategy	3	In progress
Coonamble Shire Council	Coonamble Shire Urban Housing Strategy	3	In progress
Cowra Shire Council	Cowra Council Local Housing Strategy	2	Completed
Dubbo Regional Council	Dubbo Master Plan and Servicing Strategy for Montefiores, Wellington	3	In progress
Dungog Shire Council	Clarence Town Structure Plan	2	Completed
Eurobodalla Shire Council	Eurobodalla planning proposal for Batemans Bay urban renewal project	3	In progress
Federation Council	Federation Stormwater Servicing Plan	2	Completed
Forbes Shire Council	North Forbes Servicing Strategy	2	Completed
Gilgandra Shire Council	Gilgandra residential master planning project > Towards 5000	3	In progress
Goulburn Mulwaree Council	Technical studies to inform Goulburn's CBD and Surrounds Transformation Project	3	In progress
Greater Hume Shire Council	West Jindera Residential Land Precinct	2	In progress
Griffith City Council	Griffith urban Crown land affordable housing activation business case	3	In progress
Griffith City Council	Yenda Village Growth Area Master Plan	1	Completed
Gunnedah Shire Council	Gunnedah Development Control Plan, Contributions Plan and Development Services Plan	2	Completed
Hay Shire Council	Hay Shire Housing Facilitation Project	1	Completed
Inverell Shire Council	Inverell detailed drainage assessment and plans for new residential areas	3	In progress
Lake Macquarie City Council	Supporting works for the Lake Macquarie Housing Strategy	3	In progress
Leeton Shire Council	Leeton Integrated Land Use, Infrastructure and Transport Strategy	2	Completed
Lismore City Council	Lismore Affordable Housing Contribution Scheme	1	Completed
Maitland City Council	East Maitland Catalyst Area Structure Plan and Infrastructure Needs Analysis	2	In progress
MidCoast Council	MidCoast planning control review to unlock housing	1	Completed
Mid-Western Regional Council	Mid-Western Regional Council housing strategy implementation	3	In progress
Mid-Western Regional Council	Mid-Western Regional Council Local Housing Strategy	2	Completed
Moree Plains Shire Council	Moree Plains Housing Development Strategy	1	Completed
Murray River Council	Murray River Infrastructure Strategy for Moama	3	In progress
Muswellbrook Shire Council	Muswellbrook Shire Council Local Housing Strategy	2	Completed
Narrabri Shire Council	Narrabri Development Control Plan update	3	In progress
Orange City Council	South Orange Sewer Servicing Strategy	3	In progress
Parkes Shire Council	East Parkes Master Plan and Servicing Strategy	3	In progress
Parkes Shire Council	East Parkes Flood Study and Housing Strategy Review	2	Completed
Port Macquarie-Hastings Council	Port Macquarie planning control review to unlock housing	3	In progress
Port Stephens Council	Port Stephens infrastructure needs analysis	3	In progress
Port Stephens Council	Raymond Terrace Sub-Precincts Master Plan	1	Completed
Port Stephens Council	Shoal Bay Precinct Drainage Design	1	Completed
Shoalhaven City Council	Shoalhaven Estate Renewal Strategy and Delivery Plan for Nowra (joint project with Homes NSW and Southern Cross Housing)	3	In progress
Shoalhaven City Council	Shoalhaven Affordable Housing Strategy and Housing Issues Research	1	Completed
Singleton Council	Singleton planning control review to accelerate and unlock housing	3	In progress
Snowy Monaro Regional Council	Berridale and Kalkite Infrastructure Study	1	Completed
Tamworth Regional Council	Tamworth Regional Housing Strategy	1	Completed
Tweed Shire Council	Tweed Growth Management Housing Strategy	1	In progress
Uralla Shire Council	Uralla Growth Management Strategy, LEP review and developer servicing plans for water and sewer	3	In progress
Wagga Wagga City Council	Wagga Wagga Local Housing Strategy	1	In progress
Wingecarribee Shire Council	Master Plan and Servicing Strategy for Bowral South New Living Area	1	Completed
Wollongong City Council	West Dapto Centres Master Planning	1	Completed

Full details for entry Albury City Council
Local government area	Albury City Council
Project name	Albury LEP amendment and toolkit for Thurgoona Growth Precinct
Round	3
Grant approved	$192,000
Project description	Preparation of an LEP amendment and implementation toolkit to enable greater housing density and diversity in the Thurgoona Growth Precinct
Council co-contribution	$0
Total project cost	$192,000
Status	In progress

Full details for entry Albury City Council
Local government area	Albury City Council
Project name	Accelerating Housing in Thurgoona Wirlinga Growth Area
Round	1
Grant approved	$247,500
Project description	Delivery of a biodiversity technical report, water and sewer implementation plan and review of the drainage strategy for the Thurgoona Wirlinga Growth Area to facilitate new housing supply
Council co-contribution	$250,000
Total project cost	$497,500
Status	Completed

Full details for entry Armidale Regional Council
Local government area	Armidale Regional Council
Project name	Armidale Local Housing Strategy development and implementation
Round	1
Grant approved	$200,000
Project description	Preparation of a Local Housing Strategy and supporting planning proposal and updates to the Armidale Local Strategic Planning Statement
Council co-contribution	$100,000
Total project cost	$300,000
Status	Completed

Full details for entry Bathurst Regional Council
Local government area	Bathurst Regional Council
Project name	Laffing Waters Master Plan Precinct Contributions Plan
Round	1
Grant approved	$100,000
Project description	Delivery of a contributions plan for the Laffing Waters Master Plan precinct
Council co-contribution	$10,000
Total project cost	$110,000
Status	Completed

Full details for entry Bega Valley Shire Council
Local government area	Bega Valley Shire Council
Project name	Bega Valley Local Infrastructure Contributions Plan for Wolumla
Round	3
Grant approved	$50,380
Project description	Preparation of an infrastructure contributions plan to fund the community infrastructure necessary to support residents in Wolumla's urban expansion area
Council co-contribution	$17,129
Total project cost	$67,509
Status	In progress

Full details for entry Bega Valley Shire Council
Local government area	Bega Valley Shire Council
Project name	Bega Urban Land Release Planning Proposal
Round	2
Grant approved	$250,000
Project description	Delivery of relevant studies and a planning proposal to support the rezoning of identified land release areas
Council co-contribution	$85,854
Total project cost	$335,854
Status	Completed

Full details for entry Bega Valley Shire Council
Local government area	Bega Valley Shire Council
Project name	Urban Structure Planning for Bega and Wolumla
Round	1
Grant approved	$248,370
Project description	Delivery of structure plans for major urban release areas in Bega and Wolumla to fast track the supply of development-ready housing land
Council co-contribution	$65,950
Total project cost	$314,320
Status	Completed

Full details for entry Bogan Shire Council
Local government area	Bogan Shire Council
Project name	Bogan Shire Council Local Housing Strategy
Round	2
Grant approved	$163,636
Project description	Development of a local housing strategy to identify the right locations for housing growth
Council co-contribution	$0
Total project cost	$163,636
Status	Completed

Full details for entry Brewarrina Shire Council
Local government area	Brewarrina Shire Council
Project name	Brewarrina Local Housing Strategy and Local Environmental Plan review
Round	2
Grant approved	$75,000
Project description	Development of a local housing strategy to assess the future demand for housing and of an LEP scoping paper to identify sections of the LEP that require updates
Council co-contribution	$10,000
Total project cost	$85,000
Status	Completed

Full details for entry Byron Shire Council
Local government area	Byron Shire Council
Project name	Byron Town Centre Urban Design Based Housing Density Study
Round	2
Grant approved	$243,000
Project description	Delivery of a report that will guide future planning proposals and facilitate the delivery of diverse and affordable housing adjacent to the CBD
Council co-contribution	$0
Total project cost	$243,000
Status	Completed

Full details for entry Central Coast Council
Local government area	Central Coast Council
Project name	Central Coast Council residential zone review program
Round	3
Grant approved	$250,000
Project description	An audit of all residential zones across the LGA to provide an assessment of their suitability for housing delivery and help inform a comprehensive LEP amendment
Council co-contribution	$84,599
Total project cost	$334,599
Status	In progress

Full details for entry Central Darling Shire Council
Local government area	Central Darling Shire Council
Project name	Central Darling Shire Local Housing Strategy
Round	3
Grant approved	$156,335
Project description	Delivery of a local housing strategy to help identify a range of solutions to address key housing issues across the Shire
Council co-contribution	$0
Total project cost	$156,335
Status	In progress

Full details for entry City of Newcastle
Local government area	City of Newcastle
Project name	Accelerate the place-based master planning for City of Newcastle's Transport Oriented Development precincts
Round	3
Grant approved	$250,000
Project description	Delivery of precinct-based master plans building on identified Transport Oriented Development precincts to inform a review of Council's Local Strategic Planning Statement and support housing capacity in well-located areas
Council co-contribution	$161,424
Total project cost	$411,424
Status	In progress

Full details for entry City of Newcastle
Local government area	City of Newcastle
Project name	City of Newcastle Urban Renewal Corridor project
Round	1
Grant approved	$250,000
Project description	Investigation and preparation of planning controls to support affordable and diverse housing delivery in Newcastle's Stage 1 and 2 Urban Renewal Corridors
Council co-contribution	$271,900
Total project cost	$521,900
Status	Completed

Full details for entry Clarence Valley Council
Local government area	Clarence Valley Council
Project name	Clarenza Structure Plan and Development Control Plan
Round	2
Grant approved	$147,000
Project description	Delivery of a structure plan, development control plan and servicing plan to guide future development in the Clarenza urban release area south of Grafton
Council co-contribution	$155,000
Total project cost	$302,000
Status	In progress

Full details for entry Clarence Valley Council
Local government area	Clarence Valley Council
Project name	Clarence Valley Regional Housing Strategy
Round	1
Grant approved	$150,000
Project description	Development of a housing strategy to accelerate the delivery of homes and facilitate greater housing choice
Council co-contribution	$80,000
Total project cost	$230,000
Status	Completed

Full details for entry Cobar Shire Council
Local government area	Cobar Shire Council
Project name	Cobar Local Housing Strategy
Round	3
Grant approved	$166,840
Project description	Development of a local housing strategy to guide the delivery of diverse, affordable and resilient housing options and fill a critical gap in Cobar's strategic planning framework
Council co-contribution	$0
Total project cost	$166,840
Status	In progress

Full details for entry Coonamble Shire Council
Local government area	Coonamble Shire Council
Project name	Coonamble Shire Urban Housing Strategy
Round	3
Grant approved	$69,916
Project description	Delivery of a strategy that will outline a clear plan for future housing by identifying supply and demand issues and considering infrastructure needs
Council co-contribution	$0
Total project cost	$69,916
Status	In progress

Full details for entry Cowra Shire Council
Local government area	Cowra Shire Council
Project name	Cowra Council Local Housing Strategy
Round	2
Grant approved	$92,900
Project description	Delivery of a housing strategy that will support a growing Cowra population
Council co-contribution	$1,000
Total project cost	$93,900
Status	Completed

Full details for entry Dubbo Regional Council
Local government area	Dubbo Regional Council
Project name	Dubbo Master Plan and Servicing Strategy for Montefiores, Wellington
Round	3
Grant approved	$250,000
Project description	Preparation of a master plan, water and sewer strategy and stormwater strategy for Montefiores, Wellington to provide well-located housing for the community and temporary workers associated with the Central-West Orana Renewable Energy Zone
Council co-contribution	$33,600
Total project cost	$283,600
Status	In progress

Full details for entry Dungog Shire Council
Local government area	Dungog Shire Council
Project name	Clarence Town Structure Plan
Round	2
Grant approved	$170,000
Project description	Development of a structure plan that will outline a clear framework for development to facilitate future growth
Council co-contribution	$30,000
Total project cost	$200,000
Status	Completed

Full details for entry Eurobodalla Shire Council
Local government area	Eurobodalla Shire Council
Project name	Eurobodalla planning proposal for Batemans Bay urban renewal project
Round	3
Grant approved	$200,000
Project description	Preparation of an LEP amendment and development control plans to implement the Batemans Bay Master Plan
Council co-contribution	$150,000
Total project cost	$350,000
Status	In progress

Full details for entry Federation Council
Local government area	Federation Council
Project name	Federation Stormwater Servicing Plan
Round	2
Grant approved	$230,000
Project description	Development of a plan that will identify the adequacy of the stormwater network for future growth in urban areas
Council co-contribution	$161,000
Total project cost	$391,000
Status	Completed

Full details for entry Forbes Shire Council
Local government area	Forbes Shire Council
Project name	North Forbes Servicing Strategy
Round	2
Grant approved	$250,000
Project description	Delivery of a strategy that will enable the effective planning of resilient future housing
Council co-contribution	$190,000
Total project cost	$440,000
Status	Completed

Full details for entry Gilgandra Shire Council
Local government area	Gilgandra Shire Council
Project name	Gilgandra residential master planning project > Towards 5000
Round	3
Grant approved	$226,930
Project description	Delivery of precinct master plans for residential land in North and East Gilgandra and development of the Aero Park Place Plan
Council co-contribution	$20,630
Total project cost	$247,560
Status	In progress

Full details for entry Goulburn Mulwaree Council
Local government area	Goulburn Mulwaree Council
Project name	Technical studies to inform Goulburn's CBD and Surrounds Transformation Project
Round	3
Grant approved	$122,378
Project description	Delivery of a traffic impact study, transport structure plan and flood impact and risk assessment report to inform LEP amendments to implement Council's Goulburn's CBD and Surrounds Transformation Project
Council co-contribution	$25,000
Total project cost	$147,378
Status	In progress

Full details for entry Greater Hume Shire Council
Local government area	Greater Hume Shire Council
Project name	West Jindera Residential Land Precinct
Round	2
Grant approved	$165,000
Project description	Master planning and preparation of a planning proposal for the West Jindera residential land precinct
Council co-contribution	$172,000
Total project cost	$337,000
Status	In progress

Full details for entry Griffith City Council
Local government area	Griffith City Council
Project name	Griffith urban Crown land affordable housing activation business case
Round	3
Grant approved	$190,000
Project description	Development of a business case, master plan and civil infrastructure designs to acquire and utilise two Crown land parcels in the Griffith CBD for affordable housing for key workers
Council co-contribution	$25,000
Total project cost	$215,000
Status	In progress

Full details for entry Griffith City Council
Local government area	Griffith City Council
Project name	Yenda Village Growth Area Master Plan
Round	1
Grant approved	$204,891
Project description	Development of a master plan for the Yenda Village Urban Release Area
Council co-contribution	$20,000
Total project cost	$224,891
Status	Completed

Full details for entry Gunnedah Shire Council
Local government area	Gunnedah Shire Council
Project name	Gunnedah Development Control Plan, Contributions Plan and Development Services Plan
Round	2
Grant approved	$202,500
Project description	Delivery of plans that will support planning for the funding and delivery of infrastructure to enable housing
Council co-contribution	$100,000
Total project cost	$302,500
Status	Completed

Full details for entry Hay Shire Council
Local government area	Hay Shire Council
Project name	Hay Shire Housing Facilitation Project
Round	1
Grant approved	$103,000
Project description	Preparation of amendments to the Hay LEP to facilitate new infill and low density housing
Council co-contribution	$18,000
Total project cost	$121,000
Status	Completed

Full details for entry Inverell Shire Council
Local government area	Inverell Shire Council
Project name	Inverell detailed drainage assessment and plans for new residential areas
Round	3
Grant approved	$220,000
Project description	Identification of drainage infrastructure requirements to assist in preparing development applications and to facilitate the release of serviced residential land within new residential areas
Council co-contribution	$22,000
Total project cost	$242,000
Status	In progress

Full details for entry Lake Macquarie City Council
Local government area	Lake Macquarie City Council
Project name	Supporting works for the Lake Macquarie Housing Strategy
Round	3
Grant approved	$250,000
Project description	Delivery of technical studies to support the delivery of a housing strategy and action plan and an LEP amendment
Council co-contribution	$20,000
Total project cost	$270,000
Status	In progress

Full details for entry Leeton Shire Council
Local government area	Leeton Shire Council
Project name	Leeton Integrated Land Use, Infrastructure and Transport Strategy
Round	2
Grant approved	$220,000
Project description	Delivery of a strategy that will investigate the key requirements for investment in infrastructure to support residential infill and greenfield development
Council co-contribution	$30,000
Total project cost	$250,000
Status	Completed

Full details for entry Lismore City Council
Local government area	Lismore City Council
Project name	Lismore Affordable Housing Contribution Scheme
Round	1
Grant approved	$74,810
Project description	Development of an Affordable Housing Contributions Scheme for Lismore in alignment with Lismore's Growth and Realignment Strategy
Council co-contribution	$0
Total project cost	$74,810
Status	Completed

Full details for entry Maitland City Council
Local government area	Maitland City Council
Project name	East Maitland Catalyst Area Structure Plan and Infrastructure Needs Analysis
Round	2
Grant approved	$243,000
Project description	Development of documents that will ensure the coordinated and sustainable urban renewal of the East Maitland Catalyst Area
Council co-contribution	$80,000
Total project cost	$323,000
Status	In progress

Full details for entry MidCoast Council
Local government area	MidCoast Council
Project name	MidCoast planning control review to unlock housing
Round	1
Grant approved	$226,219
Project description	Update of the LEP and development control plans to implement the MidCoast Housing Strategy and provide opportunities for more housing
Council co-contribution	$694,500
Total project cost	$920,719
Status	Completed

Full details for entry Mid-Western Regional Council
Local government area	Mid-Western Regional Council
Project name	Mid-Western Regional Council housing strategy implementation
Round	3
Grant approved	$210,000
Project description	Preparation of an LEP amendment and master plans to deliver on key actions of Council's housing strategy
Council co-contribution	$0
Total project cost	$210,000
Status	In progress

Full details for entry Mid-Western Regional Council
Local government area	Mid-Western Regional Council
Project name	Mid-Western Regional Council Local Housing Strategy
Round	2
Grant approved	$195,000
Project description	Delivery of a strategy that maps and details the location of future land supply to meet housing demand for the next 30 years
Council co-contribution	$10,000
Total project cost	$205,000
Status	Completed

Full details for entry Moree Plains Shire Council
Local government area	Moree Plains Shire Council
Project name	Moree Plains Housing Development Strategy
Round	1
Grant approved	$250,000
Project description	Delivery of structure plans, infrastructure contributions assessment and development capacity modelling to support the delivery of new housing in Moree and Pallamallawa
Council co-contribution	$25,000
Total project cost	$275,000
Status	Completed

Full details for entry Murray River Council
Local government area	Murray River Council
Project name	Murray River Infrastructure Strategy for Moama
Round	3
Grant approved	$99,025
Project description	Development of a comprehensive 25-year infrastructure strategy to ensure sewer and raw water infrastructure is able to meet future housing and community needs in the rapidly growing area of Moama
Council co-contribution	$25,000
Total project cost	$124,025
Status	In progress

Full details for entry Muswellbrook Shire Council
Local government area	Muswellbrook Shire Council
Project name	Muswellbrook Shire Council Local Housing Strategy
Round	2
Grant approved	$135,909
Project description	Delivery of a strategy that will help to support an anticipated large influx of temporary construction workers
Council co-contribution	$30,050
Total project cost	$165,959
Status	Completed

Full details for entry Narrabri Shire Council
Local government area	Narrabri Shire Council
Project name	Narrabri Development Control Plan update
Round	3
Grant approved	$47,000
Project description	Update of Council's development control plan to incorporate recent flood study insights and set stronger, resilience-focused standards
Council co-contribution	$10,000
Total project cost	$57,000
Status	In progress

Full details for entry Orange City Council
Local government area	Orange City Council
Project name	South Orange Sewer Servicing Strategy
Round	3
Grant approved	$164,772
Project description	Delivery of a sewer servicing strategy that will enable development through the resolution of inflow and infiltration issues in the sewer network
Council co-contribution	$24,985
Total project cost	$189,757
Status	In progress

Full details for entry Parkes Shire Council
Local government area	Parkes Shire Council
Project name	East Parkes Master Plan and Servicing Strategy
Round	3
Grant approved	$185,799
Project description	Preparation of a master plan and servicing strategy for the East Parkes residential growth area to fast-track the supply of housing
Council co-contribution	$24,000
Total project cost	$209,799
Status	In progress

Full details for entry Parkes Shire Council
Local government area	Parkes Shire Council
Project name	East Parkes Flood Study and Housing Strategy Review
Round	2
Grant approved	$150,000
Project description	Delivery of a flood study report for East Parkes that will inform a review of the current housing strategy
Council co-contribution	$40,375
Total project cost	$190,375
Status	Completed

Full details for entry Port Macquarie-Hastings Council
Local government area	Port Macquarie-Hastings Council
Project name	Port Macquarie planning control review to unlock housing
Round	3
Grant approved	$200,000
Project description	Review of Council's planning controls to inform the preparation of an LEP amendment that will facilitate housing development
Council co-contribution	$30,000
Total project cost	$230,000
Status	In progress

Full details for entry Port Stephens Council
Local government area	Port Stephens Council
Project name	Port Stephens infrastructure needs analysis
Round	3
Grant approved	$249,490
Project description	Delivery of an infrastructure needs analysis that will determine the community, transport and drainage infrastructure needed to support future housing across identified growth centres
Council co-contribution	$0
Total project cost	$249,490
Status	In progress

Full details for entry Port Stephens Council
Local government area	Port Stephens Council
Project name	Raymond Terrace Sub-Precincts Master Plan
Round	1
Grant approved	$107,400
Project description	Joint project with NSW Land and Housing Coorporation (LAHC) to undertake master planning for sub-precincts in Raymond Terrace, including the revitalisation of social housing owned by LAHC and managed by Hume Community Housing Association
Council co-contribution	$0
Total project cost	$107,400
Status	Completed

Full details for entry Port Stephens Council
Local government area	Port Stephens Council
Project name	Shoal Bay Precinct Drainage Design
Round	1
Grant approved	$250,000
Project description	Detailed drainage design work to resolve drainage issue currently limiting infill development potential in Shoal Bay
Council co-contribution	$0
Total project cost	$250,000
Status	Completed

Full details for entry Shoalhaven City Council
Local government area	Shoalhaven City Council
Project name	Shoalhaven Estate Renewal Strategy and Delivery Plan for Nowra (joint project with Homes NSW and Southern Cross Housing)
Round	3
Grant approved	$250,000
Project description	Preparation of an Estate Renewal Strategy and Delivery Plan for a significant land area in Nowra to inform the renewal of Government-owned housing stock
Council co-contribution	$0
Total project cost	$250,000
Status	In progress

Full details for entry Shoalhaven City Council
Local government area	Shoalhaven City Council
Project name	Shoalhaven Affordable Housing Strategy and Housing Issues Research
Round	1
Grant approved	$200,000
Project description	Preparation of an affordable housing strategy and supporting research to enable housing to address unmet community needs and housing affordability
Council co-contribution	$30,000
Total project cost	$230,000
Status	Completed

Full details for entry Singleton Council
Local government area	Singleton Council
Project name	Singleton planning control review to accelerate and unlock housing
Round	3
Grant approved	$120,671
Project description	Comprehensive review of Council's plans and controls to support the accelerated delivery of housing across the LGA and unlock new urban release areas resilient to natural hazards
Council co-contribution	$71,150
Total project cost	$191,821
Status	In progress

Full details for entry Snowy Monaro Regional Council
Local government area	Snowy Monaro Regional Council
Project name	Berridale and Kalkite Infrastructure Study
Round	1
Grant approved	$200,000
Project description	Delivery of infrastructure studies for Berridale and Kalkite to identify infrastructure needs and growth opportunities over the next 20 years
Council co-contribution	$0
Total project cost	$200,000
Status	Completed

Full details for entry Tamworth Regional Council
Local government area	Tamworth Regional Council
Project name	Tamworth Regional Housing Strategy
Round	1
Grant approved	$147,000
Project description	Development of a housing strategy that provides direction for land use planning and policy direction for managing housing change and growth across the Tamworth region
Council co-contribution	$35,000
Total project cost	$182,000
Status	Completed

Full details for entry Tweed Shire Council
Local government area	Tweed Shire Council
Project name	Tweed Growth Management Housing Strategy
Round	1
Grant approved	$249,059
Project description	Accelerated delivery of a growth management strategy to plan for housing and employment land over the next 20 years
Council co-contribution	$346,440
Total project cost	$595,499
Status	In progress

Full details for entry Uralla Shire Council
Local government area	Uralla Shire Council
Project name	Uralla Growth Management Strategy, LEP review and developer servicing plans for water and sewer
Round	3
Grant approved	$250,000
Project description	Delivery of a residential growth management strategy, comprehensive LEP review and development of developer servicing plans to promote and accelerate the delivery of new housing and additional housing choice
Council co-contribution	$70,000
Total project cost	$320,000
Status	In progress

Full details for entry Wagga Wagga City Council
Local government area	Wagga Wagga City Council
Project name	Wagga Wagga Local Housing Strategy
Round	1
Grant approved	$250,000
Project description	Development of a housing strategy that provides direction for housing, including for more diverse and affordable housing, and a supporting implementation plan
Council co-contribution	$65,000
Total project cost	$315,000
Status	In progress

Full details for entry Wingecarribee Shire Council
Local government area	Wingecarribee Shire Council
Project name	Master Plan and Servicing Strategy for Bowral South New Living Area
Round	1
Grant approved	$250,000
Project description	Delivery of a master plan and servicing strategy for the Bowral South New Living Area
Council co-contribution	$50,000
Total project cost	$300,000
Status	Completed

Full details for entry Wollongong City Council
Local government area	Wollongong City Council
Project name	West Dapto Centres Master Planning
Round	1
Grant approved	$250,000
Project description	Development of master plans for the Darkes and Marshall Mount town centres and Fowlers Village centre
Council co-contribution	$46,020
Total project cost	$296,020
Status	Completed

Key: Local government area

Displaying 1 - 10 of 24

Parkes Shire Council

Project: East Parkes Master Plan and Servicing Strategy Grant approved: $185,799 Total project cost: $209,799 Status: In progress

Lake Macquarie City Council

Project: Supporting works for the Lake Macquarie Housing Strategy Grant approved: $250,000 Total project cost: $270,000 Status: In progress

Mid-Western Regional Council

Project: Mid-Western Regional Council housing strategy implementation Grant approved: $210,000 Total project cost: $210,000 Status: In progress

Murray River Council

Project: Murray River Infrastructure Strategy for Moama Grant approved: $99,025 Total project cost: $124,025 Status: In progress

Narrabri Shire Council

Project: Narrabri Development Control Plan update Grant approved: $47,000 Total project cost: $57,000 Status: In progress

Orange City Council

Project: South Orange Sewer Servicing Strategy Grant approved: $164,772 Total project cost: $189,757 Status: In progress

Shoalhaven City Council

Project: Shoalhaven Estate Renewal Strat. & Delivery Plan (with Homes NSW & Southern Cross Housing) Grant: $250,000 Total cost: $250,000 In progress

Uralla Shire Council

Project: Growth Management Strat., LEP review & developer servicing plans for water and sewer Grant: $250,000 Total cost: $320,000 Status: In progress

Singleton Council

Project: Singleton planning control review to accelerate and unlock housing Grant approved: $120,671 Total project cost: $191,821 Status: In progress

Inverell Shire Council

Project: Detailed drainage assessment and plans for new residential areas Grant approved: $220,000 Total project cost: $242,000 Status: In progress

About the Regional Housing Strategic Planning Fund

The NSW Regional Housing Strategic Planning Fund was established in 2022. It is a competitive grants program that provides funding to regional councils to help them decide where, what, and how development should happen and address local housing issues.

Since the program’s launch in August 2022, 49 regional councils have participated in 3 rounds of funding of a total of $15.4 million ($11.3 million from the Department and $4.1 million in council co-contributions). The program has funded 60 projects to strategically plan for future housing supply and address local housing issues for over 163,658 homes in regional NSW.

Program objectives

The objectives of the Regional Housing Strategic Planning Fund are to support eligible strategic planning projects that:

enable and accelerate new housing capacity and the delivery of zoned and 'development-ready' residential land in regional NSW
support new housing capacity in regional NSW and enable future development by resolving issues and constraints
better align and coordinate housing and infrastructure delivery
support more housing choice and the availability of affordable and diverse housing in regional NSW
make housing in regional NSW more resilient to natural hazards and other potential shocks and stresses
empower and support local councils to plan strategically for future housing supply.

Eligible applicants for Regional Housing Strategic Planning Fund

All 95 regional NSW councils outside of Greater Sydney, including councils in the Lower Hunter and Greater Newcastle, Central Coast and Illawarra-Shoalhaven cities are eligible for funding (see Guidelines for a full list of councils).

Types of projects eligible for funding

The Regional Housing Strategic Planning Fund targets a range of strategic planning projects, investigations and technical studies that are consistent with the aim and objectives of the fund.

This includes:

subregional and local planning strategies, such as local housing strategies or growth management strategies
affordable housing strategies and affordable housing contributions schemes
technical studies that help identify residential lands
structure plans or precinct master plans for lands with a significant residential component
preparation of local environmental plan amendments that facilitate a significant housing or affordable housing opportunity
infrastructure needs analysis, servicing strategies or infrastructure contributions plans that will better align infrastructure and housing delivery
detailed planning and design guidelines, such as amendments to development control plans
projects that identify solutions to broader issues that have implications for the location and delivery of future housing supply
any other strategic planning, policy or technical study that addresses the broader program objectives.

Evaluation and assessment process

An expert panel made up of panellists and subject matter experts will assess all eligible applications against the program objectives and assessment criteria. The expert panel makes recommendations to an interagency committee made up of NSW Government representatives, who review and endorse the assessment panel's recommendations.

The Minister for Planning and Public Spaces makes the final decision to award funding based on the recommendations from the expert panel and interagency committee.

Assessment criteria

Applications are assessed against the following criteria to give them a weighted score out of 100:

program aims and objectives (20%)
strategic alignment (20%)
project impact (30%)
project scope (5%)
delivery timeframe (5%)
capability to deliver (5%)
governance and risk management (5%)
value for money (weighting 10%).

Improving housing supply, affordability, diversity and resilience in regional NSW

The aim of the grant program is to support eligible strategic planning projects that enable and accelerate new housing capacity and deliver zoned and 'development-ready' residential land in regional NSW.

Delivering the homes that regional NSW needs requires a long-term vision. As regional communities grow, change and face new challenges, including climate change, the types of housing they need and the best locations for housing will change.

Strategic planning is the process of planning for future development and creating the framework of rules that determine where, what and how development occurs. Supporting regional councils to fully develop their strategic frameworks will help them plan for and better meet the needs of regional communities and ensure that regional NSW has a pipeline of new housing that is well located, supported by appropriate infrastructure and appropriate to the local community and its needs.

Resources

More information

For more information about the grant program, email the Regional Housing Strategic Planning Fund team at [email protected]