The Property Council of Australia today said the NSW Government's 2025-26 Budget was a missed opportunity to invest in and support sustainable growth across the NSW Capital Region.
Property Council ACT & Capital Region Executive Director Ashlee Berry said the Budget included welcome commitments to health, roads and education across NSW, but lacked the targeted planning and infrastructure investment needed to unlock the region's housing supply and economic potential.
"The Capital Region faces a unique mix of growth pressures and infrastructure gaps, with many councils struggling to keep up with demand for new housing and employment land," Ms Berry said.
"Barriers include under-resourced planning teams, ageing water and sewer infrastructure, and slow rezoning processes that are holding back private investment and project delivery.
"There's strong demand for new homes - but it's not translating into supply because councils don't have the tools or funding to get land ready, assess proposals quickly, or provide infrastructure."
With housing affordability under pressure and regional growth accelerating, Ms Berry said strategic investment in planning reform, infrastructure upgrades and council capability was essential to get the region building again.
"This region sits at the junction of state and national policy priorities - supporting the ACT's workforce and housing demand, while helping NSW meet its own housing targets," Ms Berry said.
"Without targeted support for council-led planning and infrastructure delivery, growth in the Capital Region will continue to lag demand."
Key NSW Budget funding commitments for the Capital Region include:
$101.1 million over four years for Barton Highway safety upgrades
$21.2 million for pavement upgrades on the Hume Highway at Marulan
$14.7 million to upgrade the intersection at Yass Road, Bungendore Road and Ellerton Drive in Queanbeyan East
$165 million for the Goulburn Hospital Redevelopment
$1.8 million for the Women's and Family Maternity Care Centre at Yass
$18.1 million for the Yass Water Security Treatment Plant
$196.3 million for infrastructure in the Snowy Mountains to support housing and tourism
Ms Berry said the Property Council would continue to push for a coordinated plan for the region, backed by practical funding to deliver housing, jobs and infrastructure.
