The Western Australian government has reopened key streams of its AU$120 million Infrastructure Development Fund (IDF) as part of ongoing efforts to fast-track housing delivery and support higher-density developments across the state.
A fresh AU$20 million funding injection is now available under Streams 1 and 2 of the program to assist developers with the upfront costs of connecting new apartment projects to essential services, including power, water, and sewerage infrastructure.
The new funding will be available for projects in infill locations to unlock medium and high-density residential housing. For the first time, approved apartment developments processed through a Development Assessment Panel (DAP) or the Significant Development Assessment Pathway can also seek reimbursement for their application fees upon completion of construction.
Funding is split into two targeted streams. Stream 1 or Targeted Apartment Rebate focuses on utility connection and contribution expenses for eligible apartment builds, while Stream 2, Precinct Infrastructure, targets broader precinct-level headworks required to unlock larger residential developments.
Initially established in 2023, the fund’s total pool expanded from AU$80 million to AU$120 million following matching AU$20 million top-ups from both the WA and federal governments.
WA Treasurer Rita Saffioti said reducing upfront headworks costs was essential for unlocking housing in well-located areas.
“By reducing the upfront cost of connecting developments to essential services, we’re helping unlock more medium and high-density housing in the right locations,” Saffioti said.
Planning and Lands Minister John Carey highlighted that fee reimbursements and headworks support complement broader initiatives, such as Station Precincts and social housing investments.
“Following engagement with industry, we are also allowing developers to recoup the costs of Development Assessment Panel and Significant Development Pathway fees through the IDF,” Carey said.
Applications opened on August 3 and will run until June 30, 2027, or until the available funds are exhausted.
