$40 million for great open spaces in high growth areas
Tuesday, 30 June 2026
The Minns Labor Government is investing $40 million to upgrade local parks, sports fields, swimming spots, and town squares in communities delivering the highest housing growth across the state through the Better Open Spaces Program.
As more homes, jobs and infrastructure is delivered it is also important that people living in growing communities have access to quality public spaces.
Importantly the highest housing growth areas will be prioritised for funding with projects set to be ranked based on the number of new home approvals in each Local Government Area during the National Housing Accord period.
Round 1 is now open, making up to $36 million available to councils across Greater Sydney, Illawarra-Shoalhaven, Central Coast, Lower Hunter and Greater Newcastle, and the top 10 highest-performing regional LGAs for housing construction approvals.
Councils can apply for up to two grants each, ranging from $150,000 to $2 million and must also fully match the funding received. The remaining $4 million will be allocated under Round 2.
This is another example of the Minns Labor Government building better communities by pairing homes with high-quality open spaces, transport connections, jobs and essential community infrastructure.
Project eligibility
Grants will fund construction-ready projects across three categories, including:
Parks and sports fields – upgrading facilities such as play spaces, tracks for walking/cycling/skating, fitness areas, off-leash dog areas, multi-purpose courts, picnic shelters, and BBQ areas.
Swim sites – improving open spaces located near waterways, beaches, foreshores, and riverfronts.
Town squares and civic plazas – improving central community open spaces.
After being ranked on housing growth project will be assessed against value for money, deliverability, inclusive design, and strategic alignment.
The three-year program will require councils to begin work on their funded projects by mid-2027 and complete them by mid-2029.
This builds on the Minns Labor Government’s wider investment in better communities, including $520 million for open space and active transport in Transport Oriented Development precincts and $200 million for the Faster Assessments Incentive Program.
It complements the Everyone Can Play program – with 141 inclusive spaces created– as well as the Places to Swim, Places to Play, and Places to Roam programs.
The Better Open Spaces program grant nominations will close on 31 August 2026. For more information or to apply, visit NSW Planning.
Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:
“Great public spaces are at the heart of our communities, and the Better Open Spaces Program will help to keep communities active, connected and thriving.
“We’re matching housing growth with investment in quality open spaces from parks to town squares and swimming spots and more.
“The Minns Labor Government isn’t just driving a strong housing pipeline, we’re making sure new homes are built close to great community spaces, transport, jobs and essential services.”
MEDIA: Jenny Archdall | Minister Scully | 0429 368 226
Better Open Spaces program – eligible councils
Table 1: Category 1 Eligible LGAs
| Bayside | Fairfield | Maitland | Shoalhaven |
| Blacktown | Georges River | Mosman | Strathfield |
| Blue Mountains | Hawkesbury | Newcastle | Sutherland |
| Burwood | Hornsby | North Sydney | Sydney |
| Camden | Hunters Hill | Northern Beaches | The Hills |
| Campbelltown | Inner West | Parramatta | Waverley |
| Canada Bay | Kiama | Penrith | Willoughby |
| Canterbury-Bankstown | Ku-ring-gai | Port Stephens | Wollondilly |
| Central Coast | Lake Macquarie | Randwick | Wollongong |
| Cessnock | Lane Cove | Ryde | Woollahra |
| Cumberland | Liverpool | Shellharbour |
Table 2: Category 2 Eligible Regional LGAs
| Albury | Dubbo | Queanbeyan-Palerang | Wagga Wagga |
| Clarence Valley | Mid-Coast | Tamworth | Tweed |
| Coffs Harbour | Port Macquarie-Hastings | ||
