In August 2022 the NSW Government launched a new competitive grant program to support regional councils to plan for the delivery of new housing to meet community needs.
The Regional Housing Strategic Planning Fund will make up to $12 million available over four years from 2022-23. All regional councils are eligible to apply.
The fund is part of the NSW Government's comprehensive response to recommendations made by the Regional Housing Taskforce and the broader $2.8 billion 2022 Housing Package.
The fund was created to implement the taskforce's recommendation to support councils’ up-front strategic planning to help deliver housing and provide greater certainty about where, when and what types of homes will be built.
Round 1 of grant funding
Up to $3 million of funding was originally available in round 1 for all councils outside of Greater Sydney. In response to strong interest and a high volume of applications, this was increased to up to $4 million. Councils had until 30 September 2022 to submit applications for the grant in round 1.
Grants of up to $250,000 are available per project.
Eligible projects include:
- housing strategies
- contributions schemes
- LEP amendments
- infrastructure planning
- technical studies
- structure plans
- projects that identify solutions to broader housing issues.
Projects selected for round 1 funding
Following rigorous assessment by an independent assessment panel, the NSW Government has endorsed funding for 20 projects from 19 councils in round 1 of the program. Funded projects will be completed by 31 January 2024 as set out in the program guidelines.
Successful councils will deliver on a range of planning initiatives that will contribute to the delivery of new housing supply and address local housing issues. This includes bringing forward a range of planning activities such as the preparation of local housing strategies, master planning initiatives, affordable housing contribution schemes and infrastructure plans.
Grant recipients
The table below lists the successful projects that have been offered funding in round 1.
| LGA | Project title | Grant approved |
|---|---|---|
| Albury City Council | Accelerating Housing in Thurgoona Wirlinga Growth Area | $247,500 |
| Armidale Regional Council | Armidale Local Housing Strategy development and implementation | $200,000 |
| Bathurst Regional Council | Laffing Waters Master Plan Precinct Contributions Plan | $100,000 |
| Bega Valley Shire Council | Urban Structure Planning for Bega and Wolumla | $248,370 |
| City of Newcastle | City of Newcastle Urban Renewal Corridor project | $250,000 |
| Clarence Valley Council | Clarence Valley Regional Housing Strategy | $150,000 |
| Griffith City Council | Yenda Village Growth Area Master Plan | $204,891 |
| Hay Shire Council | Hay Shire Housing Facilitation Project | $103,000 |
| Lismore City Council | Lismore Affordable Housing Contribution Scheme | $74,810 |
| MidCoast Council | MidCoast planning control review to unlock housing | $226,219 |
| Moree Plains Shire Council | Moree Plains Housing Development Strategy | $250,000 |
| Port Stephens Council | Raymond Terrace Sub-Precincts Master Plan (joint project with NSW Land and Housing Corporation) | $107,400 |
| Port Stephens Council | Shoal Bay Precinct Drainage Design | $250,000 |
| Shoalhaven City Council | Shoalhaven Affordable Housing Strategy and Housing Issues Research | $200,000 |
| Snowy Monaro Regional Council | Berridale and Kalkite Infrastructure Study | $200,000 |
| Tamworth Regional Council | Tamworth Regional Housing Strategy | $147,000 |
| Tweed Shire Council | Tweed Growth Management Housing Strategy | $249,059 |
| Wagga Wagga City Council | Wagga Wagga Local Housing Strategy | $250,000 |
| Wingecarribee Shire Council | Master Plan and Servicing Strategy for Bowral South New Living Area | $250,000 |
| Wollongong City Council | West Dapto Centres Master Planning | $250,000 |
Information about future funding rounds will be announced in 2023. For more information about the grant program, contact the team at [email protected]