Red Tape Cuts Speed Up, Slash Costs for Infrastructure

NSW Gov

More than $29 million will be saved and over 19 years' worth of delays avoided just 12 months after the Minns Labor Government introduced reforms to the way major infrastructure proposals are assessed, fast tracking key schools and hospitals.

The Minns Government's overhaul of business case procedure has saved NSW taxpayers significant time and money.

More than 90 project proposals that previously would have required a Preliminary or Final Business Case are instead progressing under streamlined but stringent arrangements.

This means critical infrastructure is being delivered on average two and a half months faster and at a lower cost for the people of NSW.

The figures were released as work commences this week on a major upgrade to Cammeray Public School. This is one of the schools to have benefited from the reforms, and which is progressing ahead of schedule.

The Treasurer and Acting Education Minister Courtney Houssos MLC visited the site to turn the first sod on the school, which when finished will include four brand new classrooms, two practical activities areas, two break out spaces, as well as a lift and covered walkways.

The school's nine demountables will be removed.

Since the NSW Government's business case reforms were launched, the Department of Education has prepared 57 short-form assessments and final business cases under the new approach, representing an estimated $13.6 million saving (see list at end).

For some school projects, an immediate 6-month time saving has been achieved.

Several schools that have recently achieved critical milestones would have instead been stuck in unnecessary red tape if the system this Government inherited had not been reformed, including:

  • New high school for Leppington and Denham Court - construction commenced in September 2025.
  • Googong new high school - construction commenced in August 2025.
  • Asquith High School and Hornsby High School upgrades - currently out to tender for a main works contractor.
  • A six-month time saving achieved for the new high school in Wilton, new primary school and new high school in Huntlee, and Box Hill Public School and Box Hill High School.
  • In addition, Bankstown, Canterbury, and Fairfield hospitals have all been accelerated in the past year by an estimated two months per project, ensuring faster delivery and savings for taxpayers.

The business case reforms are one pillar of the Minns Labor Government's broader productivity agenda to cut through bureaucracy and accelerate delivery of critical infrastructure like housing, schools and hospitals.

The Minns Government is ensuring essential infrastructure can be delivered faster, at a lower cost and to a consistently high standard across the state together with:

  • The biggest overhaul of NSW planning laws in a generation.
  • The establishment of the Housing Delivery Authority and Investment Delivery Authority.
  • Giving state government agencies the ability to self-assess.
  • The creation of the NSW Pattern Book and a 10 day approval pathway.

Treasurer Daniel Mookhey said:

"For too long, essential projects were bogged down in red tape, costing taxpayers more and delaying the delivery of schools, hospitals and housing.

"In just one year, we've shown that a smarter approach to business cases can get infrastructure built faster, without compromising on accountability.

"This is just the start. The first 12 months of these reforms have already saved taxpayers millions of dollars and years of wasted time.

"We know there's more to do and we'll keep working to ensure vital infrastructure is delivered on time, on budget and where it's needed most."

Acting Minister for Education and Early Learning Courtney Houssos said:

"The Minns Labor Government has fast-tracked and delivered high-quality education infrastructure across the state because we believe NSW students and their families deserve world-class schools.

"We know there's still more work to do but we're getting on with the job of undoing the mess left behind by the former Liberal-National Government, including delivering a record $9 billion for school infrastructure in the 2025-26 Budget.

"With every new school constructed, demountable removed, and teacher vacancy filled, the Minns Government is building better public schools for NSW communities."

Department of Education short-form assessments and final Business Cases approved under the new approach include:

  • Katoomba High School Upgrade
  • Greenway Park Public School Upgrade
  • Milton Public School Upgrade
  • Sutherland Public School Upgrade
  • Kogarah Public School Upgrade
  • Cammeray Public School Upgrade
  • Dalmeny Public School Upgrade
  • Dundas Public School Upgrade
  • Vincentia High School Upgrade
  • Northmead Public School Upgrade
  • Jerrabomberra High School Upgrade
  • Kingswood Public School Upgrade
  • Eagle Vale High School Upgrade
  • Ulladulla High School Upgrade
  • Ulladulla Primary School Upgrade
  • Randwick High School Upgrade
  • New High School for Googong
  • New High School for Jordan Springs
  • New High School for Melrose Park
  • New High School for Leppington and Denham Court
  • New High School for Schofields and Tallawong
  • New High School for Gledswood Hills
  • New High School for Medowie
  • Denison College of Secondary Education, Kelso and Bathurst Campuses Upgrade
  • Orana Heights Public School Upgrade
  • Parkview Public School Upgrade
  • New Primary School in Calderwood
  • Yennora and Verona School Upgrade
  • New primary school in Grantham Farm
  • Thornton Public School Upgrade
  • Telopea Public School Upgrade
  • Excelsior Public School Upgrade
  • New High School in Wilton
  • New Primary & High School in Box Hill
  • New Primary & High School in Huntlee
  • Westmead Public School Upgrade
  • New High School in Bungendore
  • Nowra East Public School Upgrade
  • The Ponds High School and Riverbank Public School Upgrade
  • New Primary School in Emerald Hills
  • Ermington West Public School Upgrade
  • Rydalmere East Public School Upgrade
  • Newington Public School Upgrade
  • New Primary School in West Dapto
  • New Primary School in Worrigee
  • Willyama High School rebuild
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