Building Better Communities for NSW

The NSW Government's 2025-26 budget aims to build strong and vibrant communities across NSW to secure the future of our state.

Working with local government

The Government is continuing to build stronger councils for stronger communities, with the $51.2 Fresh Start Program recruiting an additional 1,300 apprentices, trainees and cadets in councils across NSW.

The budget is supporting the vital work of animal rehoming organisations, with a new $6 million Companion Animals Grant Program to help fund their operations. This will provide an immediate boost to animal welfare and ease pressure on the state’s rehoming system.

It is also providing $6 million to support Central Darling Shire Council in far west NSW to come out of administration, giving remote communities democratic representation for the first time in over a decade.

The budget continues to provide cost of living relief to pensioners, with $78.5 million in 2025-26 for council rates concessions.