The newly released NSW Budget 2025 signals a continued push to deliver more, faster — and with better-resourced planning systems to support them. Here is Meliora’s snapshot:
Planning System Reforms & Funding
- $253.7 million investment to bolster the State’s planning system, including assessing more development applications and delivering additional State-led rezonings.
- $20.4 million allocated to improve the NSW Planning Portal operations, enhancing user experience and addressing legacy issues.
- $200 million reserved in Restart NSW for the Faster Assessments Council Incentives and Grants Program, incentivizing councils to meet and exceed housing targets by funding essential infrastructure.
Housing Supply Initiatives
- 30,000 new homes planned, including key worker and social housing, supported by planning system reforms .
- Build-to-Rent (BTR) tax concessions extended indefinitely, promoting long-term rental options and investment in BTR developments.
Infrastructure Development
- $22.09 billion allocated for transport services, encompassing projects like Parramatta Light Rail Stage 2 and Sydney Metro-Western Sydney Airport .
- $5.7 billion dedicated to rebuilding infrastructure affected by natural disasters, presenting opportunities for planning and surveying professionals.
Urban Planning & Development
- Transport-Oriented Development Program aims to build 112,000 new homes within 800 meters of transport hubs over five years, promoting higher-density housing near public transport.
- Developer contributions reform allows developers to choose between paying a $12,000 per-lot levy or constructing infrastructure like roads and parks, aiming to expedite housing construction.
What are the expected implications for planning professionals?
- Increased demand for planners, surveyors, and infrastructure consultants to support the accelerated housing and infrastructure projects.
- Opportunities for collaboration with local councils and government agencies to implement planning reforms and infrastructure development.
- Enhanced focus on sustainable and efficient urban planning to meet the state’s housing and infrastructure goals.
Reach out for more information or refer to the official NSW Budget Papers: https://www.budget.nsw.gov.au/2025-26/budget-papers
