Regional Housing Strategic Planning Fund – Round 3
In May 2025, 24 councils were awarded $4.37 million for their projects in round 3 of the Regional Strategic Planning Fund.
Applications opened on 3 October 2024 and closed on 22 November 2024. Up to $4.5 million was available in round 3, with funding from $20,000 to $250,000 available for each successful project.
Funded projects include a range of projects to strategically plan for future housing supply and address local housing issues, including the preparation of local housing strategies, infrastructure contributions plans and development control plans. Round 3 projects will support the delivery of approximately 105,134 homes.
Applications were rigorously assessed against the program criteria through a multi-stage process that involved review by an expert assessment panel made up of independent panellists and a Departmental representative and an assessment review committee of government agency representatives.
Up to $4 million in funding remains for future funding rounds. We will make a further announcement regarding the next funding round later in 2025.
Round 3 recipients
Goulburn Mulwaree Council
Griffith City Council
Inverell Shire Council
Lake Macquarie City Council
Regional Housing Strategic Planning Fund rounds
The Department has contacted successful applicants. We will issue successful applicants with a funding agreement that sets out:
- their obligations
- the schedule of project milestones based on the project plan in the application
- agreement on project governance arrangements
- mandatory progress and financial reporting to the Department.
Successful applicants must return the signed funding agreement and an invoice for the payment of the grant to the Department. Following receipt of funding, successful applicants will have 12 months to deliver their projects.
Round 3 of the Regional Housing Strategic Planning Fund was highly competitive. We received 61 applications for funding.
Some projects were not selected because they:
- included an inadequate level of detail and only high-level responses to assessment criteria, and did not provide a clear justification of why the project is needed or how it would achieve the program objectives
- did not include an adequately detailed project plan or appropriate supporting documentation.
The Regional Housing Strategic Planning Fund team will contact all applicants directly with the assessment panel’s comments on their applications. Unsuccessful applicants can contact the team to request further feedback on their applications.
Councils were eligible to apply again for funding in round 3, regardless of whether they were successful or unsuccessful in rounds 1 and/or 2. Councils who have previously received funding could only apply for funding for a new project and not for additional funding for their previous project/s.
Round 1 of the Regional Housing Strategic Planning Fund closed in September 2022 and provided $3.9 million to fund 20 projects across 19 regional councils. Projects funded in round 1 included a broad range of planning strategies, planning proposals, technical studies, design guidance and infrastructure contributions plans to help support and accelerate new housing supply. Round 1 projects will support the delivery of approximately 40,000 homes.
Round 2 of the Regional Housing Strategic Planning Fund closed in September 2023 and provided $2.93 million to fund 16 projects. Projects funded in round 2 included local housing strategies, master and structure planning for new residential developments and infrastructure servicing strategies. Round 2 projects will support the delivery of approximately 23,769 homes.
Successful applicants
| Local government area | Project name | Round | Status | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | In progress | |
| Bega Valley Shire Council | Urban Structure Planning for Bega and Wolumla | 1 | Completed | |
| Bogan Shire Council | Bogan Shire Council Local Housing Strategy | 2 | In progress | |
| 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 | In progress | |
| 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 | In progress | |
| Eurobodalla Shire Council | Eurobodalla planning proposal for Batemans Bay urban renewal project | 3 | In progress | |
| Federation Council | Federation Stormwater Servicing Plan | 2 | In progress | |
| 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 | In progress | |
| Gunnedah Shire Council | Gunnedah Development Control Plan, Contributions Plan and Development Services Plan | 2 | In progress | |
| 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 | In progress | |
| 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 | In progress | |
| 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 | In progress | |
| 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 | In progress | |
| 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 | In progress | |
| 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 | In progress | |
| Wollongong City Council | West Dapto Centres Master Planning | 1 | Completed |
|
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 |
|
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 |
|
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 |
|
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 |
|
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 |
|
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 |
In progress |
|
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 |
|
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 |
In progress |
|
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 |
|
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 |
In progress |
|
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 |
|
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 |
|
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 |
|
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 |
|
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 |
|
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 |
|
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 |
|
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 |
|
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 |
|
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 |
|
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 |
In progress |
|
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 |
|
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 |
In progress |
|
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 |
|
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 |
|
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 |
|
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 |
|
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 |
|
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 |
In progress |
|
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 |
In progress |
|
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 |
|
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 |
|
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 |
|
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 |
In progress |
|
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 |
|
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 |
|
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 |
In progress |
|
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 |
|
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 |
In progress |
|
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 |
|
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 |
|
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 |
|
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 |
|
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 |
|
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 |
|
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 |
In progress |
|
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 |
|
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 |
|
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 |
|
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 |
In progress |
|
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 |
|
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 |
|
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 |
|
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 |
|
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 |
|
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 |
|
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 |
|
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 |
|
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 |
In progress |
|
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 |
About the Regional Housing Strategic Planning Fund
The NSW Regional Housing Strategic Planning Fund was established in 2022. It is a $12 million competitive grants program that helps regional councils plan for new housing, including housing that is affordable, diverse and resilient to natural hazards. It does so by providing funding to enable and accelerate the delivery of strategic planning projects, technical studies and policies for housing.
Since the program’s launch in August 2022, there have been 3 rounds of funding which have invested $11.25 million in 60 projects across regional NSW.
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.
Each of the 95 regional NSW councils outside of Greater Sydney are eligible for funding. Refer to the program guidelines below for a list of eligible councils.
Councils could apply both individually and in groups of 2 or more councils, as well as for projects delivered in partnership with other non-council organisations.
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.
The Regional Housing Strategic Planning Fund has a competitive merit-based selection process, and all applications are assessed on their merits against the program criteria. Projects are assessed in 3 stages. The first stage is an eligibility assessment by the Department to ensure projects meet all eligibility criteria. The Department also conducts a strategic review and provides written advice to the assessment panel on projects’ strategic alignment and impact.
The second stage is a multicriteria assessment.
An expert panel made up of independent third-party panellists and a Departmental subject matter expert assesses all eligible applications against the program objectives and assessment criteria. The expert assessment 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.
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 scoping requirements (20%)
- project scope (5%)
- delivery timeframe (5%)
- capability to deliver (5%)
- governance and risk management (5%)
- value for money (weighting 10%).
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.
More information
For more information about the grant program, email the program team at [email protected]