Hunter councils will share almost $9 million in funding for infrastructure projects supporting growing communities and new housing.
The NSW Government has announced 30 councils will receive almost $54 million through the first round of its Faster Assessments Incentive Program.
Five Hunter councils are among those receiving funding, after improving development assessment timeframes.
City of Newcastle received the largest Hunter allocation, securing $3 million for the Union Street streetscape renewal project in Wickham.
The project will deliver safer, more accessible streets and improved public spaces as the suburb continues to grow.
“Wickham plays a key role in the strategic shift of Newcastle’s business hub from the East End to the west, including connections to multiple modes of public transport,” a City of Newcastle spokesperson said.
Maitland City Council will receive $2 million for the next stage of the Max McMahon Redevelopment.
The funding will help deliver a multifunction community facility to support sporting clubs, events and residents in Maitland’s growing western precinct.
Lake Macquarie City Council has secured $2 million for the Charlestown to Whitebridge Corridor upgrade.
The project will deliver part of a walking and cycling link connecting growth areas, schools and community facilities.
Cessnock City Council will receive $1 million to replace the Leaconfield Street bridge.
The upgrade will improve pedestrian access and support a new residential subdivision in the area.
Port Stephens Council has also received $1 million for the Ferodale and Peppertree Road intersection upgrade at Medowie.
The project aims to improve road safety and support planned growth in the town centre.
The funding is part of the NSW Government’s push to speed up development approvals and support housing delivery.
Councils assess almost 85 per cent of housing development applications across the state.
Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said the program would help deliver infrastructure alongside new homes.
“This is what a proper functioning planning system looks like,” Mr Scully said.
“Councils doing the work, getting rewarded, and communities getting the homes and the infrastructure they need at the same time.”
The successful councils met or improved on the government’s 115-day benchmark for development assessments in the 2024–25 financial year.
Across NSW, the funding will deliver more than $106 million in local infrastructure projects when combined with council contributions.
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