The Property Council of Australia today welcomed the NSW Government's $23.9 million package to fast-track housing in regional NSW.
Property Council Illawarra Shoalhaven Regional Director Matthew Wales said the announcement responded to Property Council calls ahead of this year's Budget to help councils deliver planning and infrastructure in high-growth regions like the Illawarra Shoalhaven.
"Back in April we called for more funding to help councils kick start investment in essential infrastructure projects and support housing delivery in high-growth areas across the state, particularly the Illawarra Shoalhaven region," Mr Wales said.
Since the Regional Housing Strategic Planning Fund was established in 2022, the Illawarra Shoalhaven region has secured $700,000 across three successful bids designed to accelerate local housing delivery:
- $250,000 for Wollongong City Council's West Dapto Centres Master Planning (Round 1)
- $200,000 for Shoalhaven City Council's Affordable Housing Strategy and housing issues research (Round 1)
- $250,000 for Bega Valley Shire Council's Urban Land Release Planning Proposal (Round 1)
The region has also attracted support through the Government's Low-Cost Loans Initiative which unlocks housing by partially offsetting councils' borrowing costs for enabling infrastructure.
Under the Initiative, the Shoalhaven has already secured more than $2 million in funding across four projects, estimated to support around 9,000 new homes when completed.
- Boongaree Park upgrades - $786,561.44 (Round 3), estimated to support 6,884 dwellings
- Lead-in roads and cycleway (Mundamia urban release area) - $549,375.10 (Round 3), supporting 720 dwellings
- Moss Vale Road South - open space - $576,659.00 (Round 1), supporting 840 dwellings
- Roads, drainage and passive recreation infrastructure to serve the growing population in Moss Vale Road South urban release area - $195,144.99 (Round 3), supporting 500 dwellings
Mr Wales said the priority now is to keep the pipeline moving.
"These programs help fund the lead-in roads, drainage, open space and community facilities that can make more housing in the Illawarra-Shoalhaven feasible," he said.
"Locking in multi-year support will give councils and industry the confidence they need to deliver."
Council applications for the Low-Cost Loans Initiative and the Regional Housing Strategic Planning Fund open today and close on 12 December 2025.
