Bega Valley Shire Council has successfully secured $50,380 from the NSW Government's Regional Housing Strategic Planning Fund (Round 3) to prepare an infrastructure contributions plan for Wolumla.
The new plan is a critical step in supporting the growth of Wolumla by providing a framework to fund the infrastructure needed for future residents through development contributions.
Director Community, Environment and Planning, Emily Harrison welcomed the funding for the plan and thanked the NSW Government for investing in this important stage of Wolumla's development.
"This plan will help ensure that as Wolumla grows, the necessary community infrastructure is delivered in a coordinated, timely and fair way," Ms Harrison said.
"It builds on our adopted Wolumla Structure Plan, which sets out a long-term vision for the town's growth, including an additional 1,096 dwellings—effectively tripling the local population over time."
The plan will draw on extensive community consultation conducted in 2024, which identified key infrastructure priorities to support the town's expansion.
These suggested priorities include possible upgrades to roads and intersections, construction of new pathways for pedestrians and cyclists, a new car park for the community hall, additional bus stops and school crossings, and the greening of village streets. Detailed planning for delivery of some or all these options is dependent on the development and growth profile of the community.
Once finalised, the local infrastructure contributions plan will enable Council to levy local development contributions on new residential subdivisions and developments to help fund these essential works.
"This will provide clarity for landowners and developers around future development costs and allow Council to deliver infrastructure that meets the needs of both current and future residents," Ms Harrison said.
"The benefits of this plan will be felt across the community, with improved infrastructure, safer roads and pathways, and better public amenities made possible through careful planning and the availability of funds."
Minister for Planning and Public Spaces, Paul Scully said the NSW Government has invested more than $540,000 in the Bega Valley Shire through the Regional Housing Strategic Planning Fund.
"The Minns Labor Government is supporting sustainable growth across our regional communities so that infrastructure can keep pace with housing demand," Mr Scully said.
"Wolumla's growth potential is clear, and this investment lays the groundwork for a thriving, future-ready community."
Member for Bega, Dr Michael Holland said this funding is a smart investment in Wolumla's future and a reflection of the community's vision, resilience and potential.
"As the town grows, it's essential that infrastructure evolves alongside it—from safer roads and footpaths to welcoming public spaces and community facilities.
"The Minns Labor Government is committed to planning for growth in a way that puts people and place at the centre. This contribution plan builds on the ideas and priorities raised by the Wolumla community, ensuring development supports current residents and generations to come."
The RHSPF program helps regional councils plan for new housing, including housing that is affordable, diverse and resilient to natural hazards. It does so by providing funding to enable and accelerate the delivery of strategic planning projects, technical studies and policies for housing.
Council will begin preparing the plan in the coming months, with opportunities for further community input along the way.
The Wolumla Infrastructure Contributions Plan is funded by a grant from the NSW Government's Regional Housing Strategic Planning Fund (Round 3).
