LGNSW President and local leaders from Greater Western Sydney. From left: Mr Ben Taylor (Wollondilly Shire Council CEO), LGNSW President Mayor Darcy Byrne, Mr Andrew Carfield (Camden Council General Manager), Mayor Darcy Lound (Campbelltown City Council), Mayor Les Sheather (Hawkesbury City Council), Cr Julie Griffiths (Blacktown City Council), Mayor Todd Carney (Penrith City Council), Mayor Matt Gould (Wollondilly Shire Council), Mayor Dr Michelle Byrne (The Hills Shire Council), Deputy Mayor Peter Harle (Liverpool City Council).
11 June 2026
Campaign launched: $5 Billion for basic infrastructure across the State
We all know that the developer contributions system in NSW is broken. Councils and the NSW Government are required to deliver essential infrastructure for new housing developments, but all too often the funding arrives too late.
That means housing is delayed, communities wait longer for facilities, and the cost of delivering them only goes up.
So LGNSW is putting forward a program to the State Government to fix it.
The Unlocking Homes plan makes three distinct calls on the NSW State Government to partner with Local Government to:
- Establish a $5 billion interest-free loan facility for councils to deliver local infrastructure needed for housing construction to commence. Councils would repay the Government when developer contributions are paid once construction commences.
- Commit to forward-funding $3 billion of State and regional infrastructure in growth areas, with costs recouped progressively from the State Government’s Housing and Productivity Contribution receipts so there is no added financial burden to Government.
- Update the list of infrastructure that developer contributions can be used for, to allow councils to build social infrastructure such as libraries, childcare facilities and pools, that make communities liveable.
We need your help to get the NSW Government to agree to this positive plan. Your council can join the advocacy by accessing a range of documents via our dedicated web page, including a policy brochure with case studies and templates you can tailor to the needs of your community. Signing up for the campaign will ensure we can speak with one voice when it comes to demanding improved funding for basic infrastructure needed for housing growth.
This week, I joined with eight Mayors and local leaders from Greater Western Sydney to highlight how the policy could be beneficial for their communities and following those examples for others across the state. I look forward to continuing our advocacy in the regions too to ensure this program has impact across the state.
In the meantime, visit Unlocking Homes and join with us in this important advocacy.
Disaster Ready Fund – Round 4 open
Round four of the Australian Government’s Disaster Ready Fund is now open.
Councils can apply for much-needed disaster mitigation and risk-reduction projects through the NSW Reconstruction Authority.
With up to $142 million available nationally, I encourage councils to explore how this funding could support important local resilience projects in your communities.
Applications close on 1 July.
Further information
EOI: National Parks and Wildlife Advisory Council
Minister Sharpe has invited LGNSW to nominate a representative for the National Parks and Wildlife Advisory Council.
The Advisory Council provides advice to the NSW Government on the operation and management of national parks and reserves, helping to shape the future of these important natural assets. The Advisory Council meets four times a year.
I encourage interested mayors and councillors with a passion for conservation, public land management and community engagement to consider nominating.
Further information
Sincerely,
Mayor Darcy Byrne
LGNSW President