Forty-four councils across New South Wales are set to share in up to AU$73 million to deliver essential roads, parks, and community facilities after successfully speeding up development application assessments and clearing housing backlogs.
The funding allocation marks the second round of the government’s AU$200 million Faster Assessments Incentive Program. Participation grew from 35 councils in the initial round, reflecting widespread performance improvements across local government areas.
To qualify, successful councils met the state’s 105-day assessment benchmark for the 2025–26 financial year. Across the participating councils, the average processing timeframe dropped to 78 days, an eight-day improvement on the previous year and a overall reduction of more than 30 per cent in processing times since the government introduced public performance league tables.
The turnaround has been particularly dramatic among previously lagging councils. Sutherland Shire Council cut its average processing window from 177 days to 97 days, an 80-day improvement. Similarly, Willoughby shaved off 88 days, Ballina reduced times by 59 days, and Queanbeyan-Palerang improved by 55 days.
Eligible councils can secure grants of up to AU$3 million based on housing targets to fund local infrastructure needed to support population growth. The speed-up in approvals aligns with recent figures showing over 80,000 homes currently under construction across NSW, the highest figure in seven years.
Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said clear expectations and practical support, including embedding expert planners within councils, are delivering tangible benefits.
“Councils that were once taking months longer than the benchmark are now turning their performance around and getting decisions made faster,” Scully said.
“More homes moving through the system faster means more choice for young people and families who just want a foot in the door, whether that is their first home or their next one.
“We are matching that growth with the infrastructure to support it, because new communities need parks, roads and open space just as much as they need homes.”
