Civil Contractors Federation NSW welcomes $182 Million for Housing-Enabling Infrastructure

Civil Contractors Federation NSW (CCF NSW) said the Albanese Government’s $182 million investment in infrastructure to unlock 25,000 homes in New South Wales is a vital step to tackle the housing crisis and strengthen the civil construction industry.

CCF NSW CEO Kylie Yates welcomed the government’s recognition of the critical link between civil infrastructure and housing development.

“You can’t build a house—or any development—without first completing the enabling works, which pave the way for construction,” Ms. Yates said.

“Housing delivery starts from the ground-up and this is smart, practical move that shows the government is listening to the civil construction industry.

“To actually deliver these housing enabling projects, we must cut red tape and provide industry with a clear and consistent pipeline of work.”

Ms Yates highlighted the importance of ensuring these projects progress without delay.

“These projects are welcome, and it’s critical we get them to market quickly,” she said.

“That way industry can plan and schedule our workforce to deliver the work, and the homes that will follow, at a cost the market can afford.”

The Government’s announcement follows concerning trend in housing investment and supply. In September 2024, annualised investment dipped to $800million, showing no significant increase over the last decade. At the same time, housing commencements have fallen from 73,000 in FY2017 to 41,000 in FY2024, representing a 45% decline. This decline underscores the need for greater government investment in housing-enabling infrastructure to reverse this trend.

The projects to receive funding through the Housing Support Program include:

• $45 million for water and sewer infrastructure in Kempsey, unlocking over 430 homes.
•  $27.2 million for wastewater treatment upgrades in Marulan, enabling 400 homes.
• $10.1 million for Parramatta’s Civic Link project, unlocking 14,700 homes while improving green spaces and transport links.

Other projects span regional and metropolitan areas, with funding directed to roadworks, sewer upgrades, and active transport infrastructure, ensuring new homes are connected to essential services and public amenities.

“Reducing red tape will allow these projects to move faster, enabling housing supply to increase and supporting job creation across the state,” Ms Yates said.