The NSW Government, in partnership with regional councils, is set to invest $201.9 million in infrastructure development for growing regional communities. 

The initiative aims to support the delivery of 24,000 new homes across various areas, from Tweed Heads to Wagga Wagga.

As part of the state's strategy to accommodate its expanding population, this significant investment will fund and upgrade essential local services and infrastructure. 

The funds will accelerate nine key projects, including wastewater and road upgrades, facilitating quicker development and the creation of high-quality neighbourhoods.

Out of the total investment, $137.19 million will come from the NSW Government’s Accelerated Infrastructure Fund, while five regional councils will contribute $64.7 million. 

“Housing affordability and availability is the biggest single pressure facing the people of NSW, and that’s why we are focusing investment in these key infrastructure projects to clear the way for new and thriving communities to take shape,” said Paul Scully, Minister for Planning and Public Spaces.

The planned infrastructure projects include new sports fields in the Tweed Shire and road upgrades in Port Macquarie-Hastings. Specific projects and their respective allocations include:

  • Bathurst: Laffing Waters development infrastructure, supporting 2,270 new homes

  • Port Macquarie-Hastings: Kew Sewerage Treatment Plant upgrade and Beechwood Road/Yippin Creek bridge upgrade, supporting 1,600 new homes

  • Shoalhaven: Culburra wastewater treatment plant upgrades, supporting 1,012 new homes

  • Tweed Shire: Tweed Coast Road upgrade and Depot Road sports fields, supporting 5,516 new homes

  • Wagga Wagga: Northern Growth Area sewer upgrades and Plumpton Road North and South Road upgrades, supporting 14,500 new homes

Scully pointed out the broader impact of these projects, stressing that without such support, young people might be driven out of the housing market or forced to relocate to other states.

More information is available on the Accelerated Infrastructure Fund website.