$139M in infrastructure funding up for grabs by Western Sydney councils

Eight Western Sydney local councils will have the opportunity to receive financial support for their shovel-ready infrastructure projects, with applications now open for the second round of the state government’s Accelerated Infrastructure Funding (AIF).

Announced in 2020, the fund aims to stimulate construction activity by investing in projects which can be fast-tracked, un-block development approvals and support the construction industry throughout the Covid-19 pandemic.

Round two of the AIF will provide $139 million to co-fund and accelerate the delivery of local infrastructure in high-growth areas of Western Sydney. It aims to support construction activity and the release of new homes and employment lands in greenfield areas where councils lead the delivery of local infrastructure.

New South Wales Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Rob Stokes said the first round of more than $145 million funding – including $75.9 million from the NSW Government and contributions from Blacktown and The Hills Shire councils – had supported the delivery of 14 projects in total.

“All of these projects are now underway and will support the development of up to 40,000 new homes, 115 hectares of employment land and create up to 1000 new construction jobs,” he said.

Round two of the AIF expands the program to include other high-growth councils, including Blacktown, The Hills, Hawkesbury, Penrith, Liverpool, Camden, Campbelltown, and Wollondilly.

Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney Stuart Ayres said the AIF would also create thousands of jobs in the construction phase, helping to meet the future needs of Western Sydney.

“Western Sydney is ripe for growth and this funding will provide the necessary infrastructure to support an expected 20,000 plus new greenfield homes across these local government areas over the next five years,” Ayes said.

Councils will be allocated funding according to anticipated growth in each local government areas, the amount of development the funding will support and the amount of co-funding that councils can provide.

All projects must commence construction within two years to qualify for funding.

Project nominations will be formally opened in September and councils will need to apply by 31 October 2021 to be considered.

For more information visit: www.https://www.planning.nsw.gov.au/accelerated-infrastructure-fund.