Two North Coast councils that were knocked back last year have slashed their development approval times, and it has opened the door to a share of $73 million in infrastructure funding.
Tweed Shire Council cut its average assessment time by 58 days, down to 93 days in 2025-26.
Ballina Shire Council did even better, shaving 59 days off to reach 90 days. It was one of the standout gains in the state.
Both councils missed out in the first round of the Faster Assessments Incentive Program, after averaging more than 115 days in 2024-25. This time, both have made the cut.
“This planning progress will deliver more housing for the Tweed and unlock State funding for the essential infrastructure needed to service growth,” said Minister for the North Coast and Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin.
They are not alone. Coffs Harbour, MidCoast, and Port Macquarie-Hastings councils are also on the list of 44 successful councils across NSW.
Coffs Harbour recorded an average of 73 days, 16 days faster than the year before. MidCoast came in at 72 days, 12 days faster, and Port Macquarie-Hastings at 88 days, four days faster.
Every successful council met the 105-day benchmark set under the Minister’s Statement of Expectations.
Now they are eligible for grants of up to $3 million each to deliver roads, parks, open spaces, and community facilities for their growing populations.
The amount is based on each council’s housing target or, for regional councils without one, anticipated dwelling growth.
“Councils that were once taking months longer than the benchmark are now turning their performance around and getting decisions made faster,” said Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully.
“We set clear expectations, backed councils with practical support, and created strong incentives to improve, and communities are now feeling the benefit, with approvals for homes and job-creating projects being made more quickly.”
The number of successful councils jumped from 35 in the first round. Across the state, successful councils averaged 78 days, eight days faster than last year.
The biggest turnarounds came from councils that had lagged furthest behind. Sutherland Shire Council cut its average from 177 days to 97 days in 12 months.
“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,” Mr Scully said.
“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.”
The $200 million program supports councils in high and medium growth areas over three years. It is open to 53 councils with housing targets, or implied dwelling demand, above 1,000 homes.
“Faster assessments mean more certainty for people wanting to build, renovate or invest, while better performing councils can unlock funding for the infrastructure their growing communities need,” Mr Scully said.
For more information about the Faster Assessments Incentive Program, visit https://www.planning.nsw.gov.au/the-planning-system/housing/faster-assessments-program/faster-assessments-incentive-program
Don’t miss any of the important stories from around the region. Subscribe to our email list.