The Property Council of Australia today said the NSW Government’s 2026-27 Budget includes important investment in regional infrastructure but lacked a more ambitious agenda for ongoing ACT/NSW coordination to unlock development and economic growth in the NSW Capital Region.
Property Council ACT & Capital Region Executive Director Ashlee Berry said the region – spanning key growth corridors between Sydney and Canberra – is well placed to support housing delivery and economic expansion but required sustained investment in transport connectivity and enabling infrastructure.
“The Capital Region plays a vital role as a strategic corridor between Sydney and Canberra, with strong social and economic interdependence across the ACT and NSW borders, and potential to deliver new housing, support regional industry and improve connectivity,” Ms Berry said.
“This Budget includes welcome investment in regional roads, infrastructure restoration and local priorities, but it’s another missed opportunity to lock in more cooperation and collaboration between the NSW and ACT to get the most out of this vibrant region in the coming years.”
Key Budget commitments relevant to the Capital Region and surrounding corridors include:
- $100 million to upgrade the Canberra-Sydney rail corridor, improving connectivity between the Capital Region and major economic centres.
- $126.3 million for the Barton Highway upgrade, including additional funding to improve safety and capacity.
- $45.9 million to build a new primary school and co-located public early learning facility at Googong West
- $31.8 million to upgrade key intersections in Queanbeyan East, supporting local connectivity and growth.
- $11 million for improvements on the Hume Highway at Marulan, strengthening freight and regional access.
- $910.9 million to restore local and state roads and essential infrastructure damaged by natural disasters.
- $153.9 million through the Regional Development Trust to support local infrastructure and community priorities across regional NSW.
- $196.3 million for the Snowy Mountains Special Activation Precinct, supporting infrastructure, housing and economic development across the region.
Ms Berry said these investments would support safer and more reliable transport networks, which are essential for regional productivity and growth.
“Reliable transport links are critical to connecting communities, supporting freight and enabling housing delivery across the Capital Region,” she said.
“Improving connectivity between regional centres and major employment hubs is key to unlocking investment and economic opportunity.”
The Property Council’s Pre-Budget Submission highlighted the need for coordinated regional planning and targeted infrastructure investment to support population growth, housing supply and productivity across regional NSW.
“A coordinated, long-term infrastructure plan for the Capital Region is essential to ensure growth is matched with the services, and connectivity communities need,” Ms Berry said.
“There is a clear opportunity to support housing delivery and economic development in the Capital Region – but it will require continued collaboration between government and industry.”
Ms Berry said future Budgets should build on this foundation by prioritising infrastructure that enables housing, improves connectivity and supports sustainable regional growth.
