FUNDING BOOST FOR INFRASTRUCTURE TO FAST TRACK HOUSING SUPPLY

A boost of $113 million will accelerate the delivery of vital infrastructure to support new homes in NSW.

Minister for Planning and Housing, Anthony Roberts, announced that the NSW Government would use the Housing Acceleration Fund (HAF) to deliver infrastructure projects that allow for new homes in the city’s west, south-west and north-west.

“Providing critical infrastructure to accommodate housing for a growing population is good planning and a priorities of this Government,” Mr Roberts said.

“More than $113 million from the HAF will be funneled into road upgrades to ensure that new homes being constructed in these growing areas are supported by essential infrastructure.

“We are working with local councils to create new opportunities for housing through new and upgraded roads. This will ensure adequate housing and infrastructure is provided to support population growth in Sydney”.

Mr Roberts said this funding release was part of a larger program which, over the last five years has seen an investment of $2.48 billion and completed 12 major infrastructure projects.

The new round of funds will be spent on:

• Upgrading Stage 1 of Campbelltown Road in Greater Macarthur with $38 million funding for construction works;
• Extending Bernera Road (formerly Croatia Avenue) in the Western Sydney Priority Growth Area with $11.37 million funding for construction work with construction due to begin later this year;
• Upgrading Hambledon Road in the North West Priority Growth Area with $26.85 million funding for construction works;
• Upgrading Boundary Road and McCulloch Street in the North West Priority Growth Area with $31.55 million funding for construction works; and
• Upgrading Spring Farm Parkway and Appin Road in the South West Priority Growth Area with $5.3 million funding for planning and design works.

The HAF, managed by the Department of Planning and Environment, is working collaboratively with other government agencies, local councils and private industry contributing to the provision of essential infrastructure supporting the increase in housing supply since 2012, including a record 60,000 homes completed in 2016.

“Having the right infrastructure in place helps speed up the process of getting people into their homes. It future-proofs communities and plans for housing to support our growing population,” Mr Roberts said.

“As part of the Government’s housing affordability package, we have a target of ensuring that 61,000 homes a year are completed in NSW and the HAF is essential in helping us deliver that.”