The National Growth Areas Alliance welcomes the expected announcement by the Minister for Housing and Homelessness and Minister for Cities, Clare O’Neil MP, and Treasurer, Dr Jim Chalmers MP, that $2 billion will be committed in the 2026–27 Federal Budget to housing enabling infrastructure.
Australia’s 29 growth areas councils – just 5% of all Councils - will deliver 26% of all new housing nationally, approximately 306,000 homes, by the end of 2029 under the National Housing Accord.
Bronwen Clark, Chief Executive Officer of the National Growth Areas Alliance, said the funding recognises the practical realities of where Australia’s housing growth is occurring.
‘This is a welcome initiative that will make a significant difference to delivering the housing Australians want. Growth area councils have planning approvals in place, they are ready to accommodate new residents, and developers are ready to build. What is holding projects back is not willingness or capability, but the absence of enabling infrastructure.’
Analysis shows that around 30% of approved residential land in growth areas is currently constrained, unable to proceed to development because essential infrastructure such as trunk sewer, water, power, drainage and major roads has not yet been delivered.
‘These are approved and ready to develop parcels of land. Without timely infrastructure, they remain stalled. Targeted investment in the right locations can unlock tens of thousands of homes far more quickly than opening up new planning processes elsewhere.’
Ms Clark said the announcement is also about delivering the housing Australians want.
‘A house with a yard in a new suburb remains the overwhelming preference for Australian families. In fact 60% of new houses built last year were in greenfield areas. This funding helps turn that demand into real homes.’
NGAA Chair, Mayor Terresa Lynes of the City of Gosnells, said growth areas are uniquely placed to meet national housing targets if infrastructure keeps pace with population growth.
‘Growth areas are very different to the rest of our metropolitan areas. Our councils are well practised in accommodating rapid development and population growth, but they cannot do it without the infrastructure that supports new communities.’
Mayor Lynes said it is essential that the $2 billion funding shows a clear growth area focus, recognising the opportunity to unlock approved land where housing can be delivered quickly.
Growth areas at a glance
29 councils | 5% of Australia’s LGAs
• 6m people- 22% of Australia’s population
• 1 in 4 Australian children live in growth areas
• Fast growing communities - at least 2× the national population growth rate
• 306,000 new homes by 2029 - 26% of the National Housing Accord target
• 30% of approved residential land constrained due to missing enabling infrastructure
