Regional councils in New South Wales are invited to apply for funding for projects that address the state’s housing crisis.

Councils can seek between $20,000 and $250,000 through round three of the NSW government’s $3-million Regional Housing Strategic Planning Fund for individual projects that support the delivery of well-located and affordable housing.

“The housing crisis is hitting regional communities just as hard as it is hitting Sydney,” said minister for planning Paul Scully. “As regional communities grow and evolve, this funding will deliver the important planning work needed to boost housing supply, affordability and diversity.”

Councils can use the funds to speed up housing developments and prepare infrastructure in readiness for the new builds.

“We really encourage councils to apply and help us unlock the delivery of thousands of new regional homes sooner,” minister for regional NSW Tara Moriarty said.  

In response, Local Government NSW welcomed the third round of funding. “We acknowledge the NSW government’s continued commitment to assist regional councils in carrying out their planning and development responsibilities to boost housing supply and we look to forward to that partnership continuing in the implementation of those planned strategic outcomes,” LGNSW president Darriea Turley told Government News.

She added: “Councils have been facing significant resourcing shortages for several years, particularly those in regional areas. Helping councils fund the strategic planning that underpins infrastructure provision can bring forward much needed affordable housing.”

All NSW councils outside Greater Sydney are eligible for the funding. Submissions will be assessed by an independent panel. Applications close at 12pm on Friday 22 November.