William Scott
The Federal Government has given the green light for a range of critical infrastructure projects to support nearly 60,000 new homes across New South Wales.
The $304.3 million total investment is part of the Federal Government’s Housing Support Program and includes $76.1 million to boost social housing in key growth areas including Parramatta, Blacktown, Campbelltown, Randwick and Albury.
It also includes $228.2 million for five public place projects that are expected to open up much-needed green and community spaces across the greater Sydney area.
The new public space projects will be delivered under the State Government’s Parks for People program, which will be implemented over three successive phases with Bankstown, Bella Vista and Kellyville all included in the first stage.
Working in partnership with the New South Wales Government, projects have been selected in the state’s Transport Oriented Development Accelerated Precincts to deliver parks and shared community spaces in high-priority growth areas.
The Federal Government said this will fill an essential piece of the puzzle by delivering green space in the city’s new urban precincts, providing places to exercise, rest and socialise. It means more homes, more jobs and more public parks within walking distance of accessible transport.
This will create capacity for nearly 60,000 homes and 120,000 jobs around major metro and rail stations, including mandatory affordable housing.
The announcement builds on more than $182 million already allocated across New South Wales for enabling infrastructure works such as roads, sewage and water, and to support new homes with connections to transport links and open spaces.
The Federal Government is also investing $610 million into New South Wales via the Social Housing Accelerator Fund, which it said is funding many of the state’s shovel-ready social housing projects.
It’s part of the Federal Government’s $32 billion Home of Your Own Plan to meet the ambitious national target of building 1.2 million new, well-located homes over the next five years.
Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government, Catherine King, said, “We’re turbocharging housing supply by delivering the infrastructure New South Wales needs.
“A place to call home is fundamental, but for too many Australians has been out of reach.”
Ms King said addressing housing shortages will take all levels of government to respond, which is why the Federal Government is working in lockstep with the New South Wales Government to fast-track housing development across the state.
“This means more homes, more jobs and more green space in well-located, well-connected growth areas.”
Federal Minister for Housing and Homelessness, Clare O’Neil, said the investment shows just how important it is to have a Federal Government that works in cooperation with state governments to deliver more well-located houses for more people.
“We’re starting the largest house build in Australian history. We have an ambitious target for 1.2 million new homes and we’re delivering 55,000 social and affordable rental homes. We’re directly investing in building new homes – just like we used to.
“We are tackling this housing crisis from every angle, which includes working closely with states and territories to make sure there is critical infrastructure to support homes in a cities and regions.”
New South Wales Minister for Planning and Public Spaces, Paul Scully, said the federal investment will help New South Wales address its housing challenges and deliver on the National Housing Accord target.
“Through the State Government’s Transport Oriented Development Accelerated Precincts, we’re delivering nearly 60,000 homes, and these areas include great public greenspaces thanks to the funding from the Federal Government.”
New South Wales Minister for Housing and Homelessness, Rose Jackson, said every bit of funding helps.
“We’re thankful to the Federal Government for this additional support to help us house people who need it as soon as we possibly can.
“This is a significant investment, and it allows us to make an instant impact during a housing crisis.
“The Homes NSW teams have been scouring the state for opportunities to acquire fit-for-purpose housing that will be immediately used to house those who are most in need.”
