Minister for Local Government Don Page met local MPs Bart Bassett and Stuart Ayres to discuss the upcoming announcement of the next round of the Local Infrastructure Renewal Scheme, which he predicted would result in a bonanza for housing in the northwest.
Under round one of the hugely successful scheme $430 million was unlocked, making possible 82 infrastructure projects across NSW.
“I urge my local council to consider applying for this innovative scheme, which will help families struggling to gain a toehold in a very tough housing market,” Mr Bassett said.
Noting that applications for the second round of the scheme open on November 1 and close on December 31, Mr Ayres said: “Now is the time for councils to request an interest rate subsidy for housing infrastructure in their area and to renew assets allowed to run down under Labor.”
“This scheme is a promise kept by the Liberals & Nationals that will create jobs, develop and renew infrastructure and improve the quality of life for the people of NSW,” Mr Ayres said.
In addition to housing infrastructure, the next round of the scheme provides councils with a 3 per cent interest subsidy for up to 10 years on loans to pay for backlog infrastructure projects such as roads, bridges, community halls, libraries, paths, parks and water facilities.
“In the first round I am delighted to say that 82 projects from 62 councils were able to proceed – a very good result,” Mr Page said.
“I urge councils to bid for the second round of the scheme, which I hope will be as popular as round one.”
With the first round of subsidies complete, more than $60 million still remains for further applications of the scheme for other vital infrastructure projects.
