NSW councils focused on fast-tacking development assessments generating jobs will be eligible for up to $5.5 million each in funding for public spaces.
NSW Treasurer Dominic Perrottet said the initiative to incentivise the development of “more and better public spaces” would be part of the NSW Public Spaces Legacy Program.
The $250 million program will only be available to the 68 councils currently participating in the e-planning system.
State Planning and Public Spaces Minister Rob Stokes said the State Government wanted councils to “think big and bold and deliver legacy projects – new parks, new walking trails, more walkable and inviting streets and open spaces for their communities”.
Mr Stokes added that the program will drive “more efficient local development”.
“It builds on the success of the Planning System Acceleration Program to bring greater benefits to neighbourhoods and streets by providing councils the funds to create new or improved public space, as well as encouraging more efficient planning processes.”