Council Secures $250,000 Grant to Support Strategic Growth Planning

Published on 12 May 2025

Uralla Shire Council is pleased to announce it has been successful in securing $250,000 in funding under Round 3 of the NSW Government’s Regional Housing Strategic Planning Fund.

This critical funding will enable Council to progress a series of long-standing strategic planning priorities, including the review of the Local Environmental Plan (LEP), development of a strategy to address the way we manage land in Uralla, and the creation of Developer Servicing Plans to accurately plan for the delivery of water and sewer infrastructure.

The LEP review has been a long-term goal for Uralla Shire Council but previously lacked the necessary resourcing to move forward. The successful grant application follows the completion of the Draft Local Housing Strategy in February 2025, which provided a solid foundation for Council’s funding submission.

Former Acting Manager of Planning and Development, Simon Vivers, and Strategic Planning Officer, Emily Sims, were instrumental in leading the successful grant application. Council also acknowledges the valuable contributions made across teams in compiling supporting data, local projections, and strategic planning documentation.

“This funding is a game-changer for Uralla Shire,” said Mayor Robert Bell. “With the pressure of housing demand, increased regional migration, and emerging renewable energy development, this support will help us set a clear path forward and deliver sustainable growth for our community.”

“By investing in planning today, we’re helping councils deliver the homes, parks, transport connections and infrastructure communities need – and making sure young people and families can continue to build their futures in the regions,” said Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully.

Good planning unlocks opportunity. Through this fund, we’re giving councils the tools to deliver better-designed, more liveable communities across regional NSW – close to transport, jobs and essential services.”

Council will now move to finalise the funding agreement and develop a detailed project plan, ensuring timely delivery of this strategic work.