$5B plan targets housing delays

Key points

• Local Government NSW is calling for a $5 billion interest-free loan scheme to help councils build roads, drainage and other infrastructure needed for housing. Councils would repay the loans through developer contributions as development progresses.
• The peak body says thousands of homes are being delayed by inadequate infrastructure, particularly in outer metropolitan Sydney and regional areas. LGNSW president Darcy Byrne urged all political parties to back the proposal ahead of the state election.
• The plan also includes $3 billion in upfront state and regional infrastructure funding and allows developer contributions to fund community facilities.