Council
7 October, 2026
Wollondilly, Camden and Shoalhaven win planning cash as Wingecarribee misses out
Wollondilly, Camden and Shoalhaven councils have qualified for a share of up to $73 million in NSW Government infrastructure funding, while neighbouring Wingecarribee has missed out despite improving its development assessment performance.
Wollondilly, Camden and Shoalhaven councils have qualified for a share of up to $73 million in NSW Government infrastructure funding, while neighbouring Wingecarribee has missed out despite improving its development assessment performance.
The funding is being offered under the second round of the NSW Government’s Faster Assessments Incentive Program, which rewards councils that speed up development applications and meet the Planning Minister’s assessment targets.
Wollondilly Council recorded an average development application assessment time of 68 days during the 2025-26 financial year, comfortably inside the State Government’s 105-day benchmark.
Camden Council performed even better, recording an average assessment time of 58 days, while Shoalhaven Council qualified after recording an average of 104 days — just one day inside the benchmark.
Campbelltown Council also recorded an average of 58 days.
All four councils are among 44 across NSW approved for Round Two of the program, which will provide up to $73 million for infrastructure including roads, parks, open spaces and community facilities.
Wollondilly improved by one day to 68 days, while Shoalhaven improved by six days to 104 days.
Despite improving its average DA assessment time to 174 days in 2025–26, Wingecarribee remained well outside the State Government’s 105-day benchmark and failed to qualify for the latest round of infrastructure funding.
As previously reported by The Southern Wire, Planning Minister Paul Scully has on at least two occasions called on Wingecarribee Shire residents to question the leadership of the Shire. Mr Scully has also issued an Action Plan to Wingecarribee, which is expected to lead to reduced DA assessment times.
Successful councils can receive grants of up to $3 million, with the amount available based on housing targets or, for regional councils without a target, anticipated dwelling growth.
The NSW Government said the 44 successful councils recorded an average assessment time of 78 days in 2025-26, eight days faster than the previous year.
Planning and Public Spaces Minister Paul Scully said councils were responding to the Government’s targets.
“Councils that were once taking months longer than the benchmark are now turning their performance around and getting decisions made faster,” Mr Scully said.
“Faster assessments mean more certainty for people wanting to build, renovate or invest, while better performing councils can unlock funding for the infrastructure their growing communities need.”
The Faster Assessments Incentive Program has a total $200 million funding pool over three years.
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Disclaimer: The author's husband is a councillor at one of the councils mentioned.
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