LARGE swathes of the Hunter Central Coast region have become eligible for a share in $36 million in funding to upgrade local parks, sporting fields and swimming spots.
The state government program prioritises the highest housing growth areas with projects set to be ranked based on the number of new home approvals in each Local Government Area.
There are six Hunter Central Coast local government areas which make the cut along with councils across Sydney, and the Illawarra-Shoalhaven areas.
They are the Central Coast, Maitland and Lake Macquarie, which are ranked 14th, 15th and 16th among local government areas (LGAs) with the highest number of residential dwellings approved.
According to the most recent Australian Bureau Statistics data released on June 1, they have approved more than 3,000 between them so far this financial year (as at April 30).
Newcastle and Cessnock were ranked 22nd and 23rd, with 687 and 681 approvals respectively.
Port Stephens was ranked 31 with 521 new dwelling approvals since July 1, 2025 to the end of April.
Together, those six LGAs have seen more than $2.58 million spent on residential building during the 2025/26 financial year (up to April 30).
Councils can put their hands up for up to two grants each of between $150,000 and $2 million.
They can only put forward projects ready to go by mid-2027 and which can be completed by mid-2029 and they must match the funding.
The NSW Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said the government was matching housing growth with investment in quality open spaces.
"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," Mr Scully said.
"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."
The grants will fund construction-read projects across three categories, including:
Each project will be assessed against value for money, deliverability, inclusive design, and strategic alignment.
Nominations open on July 1, and will close at the end of August.
Building approvals in the Hunter region hit a four-year peak of 5,101 dwelling approvals in 2024-25, consisting of 2817 houses (55.2 per cent) and 2284 (44.8 per cent) other residential dwellings such as flats, units and apartments.
The strong growth has been attributed to new housing developments on the outskirts of Maitland and Lake Macquarie, as well as the ongoing release of apartments in Newcastle.
