A record $3.4 billion investment in TAFE and skills announced in the 2025-26 NSW Budget is being welcomed as a positive step toward addressing workforce shortages across regional New South Wales, including the Western Plains.

The Government claim this initiative will tackle the housing crisis by building the skilled workforce needed to construct more homes across the state, but some local leaders are urging the government not to forget the equally pressing need for social and affordable housing in the bush.

Member for Barwon Roy Butler says the Minns Government’s focus on boosting apprenticeships and investing in regional training is long overdue.

“Out here in the Western Plains we’ve had TAFE campuses in places like Bourke, Cobar, and Walgett that have been left underutilised,” Mr Butler said.

“This funding is welcome, especially the 23,000 fee-free apprenticeships and council-based apprenticeship schemes, but we need to make sure our communities actually receive delivery on the ground.”

The Construction Workforce Package, part of the broader budget commitment, includes $13.8 million to upskill 4,800 workers and support 3,000 school students to explore trade careers.

The program targets existing workers, career changers, and skilled migrants, with specific funding for training and formal qualifications.

Mr Butler highlighted the ongoing rollout of last year’s $252 million apprentice support scheme, which allows local councils to employ apprentices without bearing salary costs.

“Most of my councils have taken this up,” he said. “Combined with expanded TAFE access, it means more young people can train and stay local.”

Innovative delivery models are also helping overcome geographic barriers.

“We now have systems where someone in Bourke can take part in a class being held in Dubbo or Sydney through big-screen connections at local learning hubs,” Mr Butler added.

New construction opportunities are expected to come from TAFE thanks to the recent state budget and hopefully aid the community housing shortage.

“It’s not just theory, it’s enabling real, practical learning where people live.”

But while the skills pipeline is being welcomed, housing delivery remains a sticking point.

When asked whether the budget contained new money for housing in regional areas, Mr Butler clarified the complexity of funding allocations.

“There’s billions set aside for housing statewide, and some $6.3 billion tagged for social housing over 18 years,” he said.

“But the problem is that allocations aren’t made per electorate at budget time.

"We have to fight for our share as the implementation unfolds.”

He noted that regional programs like the shared equity model and support for community-led housing solutions could make a difference, but only if Western NSW is included in the rollout.

“We’ve got people ready to go with community housing projects.

"My job now is to make sure the ministers know that and bring the money to Barwon.”

The TAFE package also includes $121 million to repair and modernise campuses, $78 million to convert casual teachers into permanent roles, and $100 million to relocate and consolidate TAFEoperations to improve efficiency, all measures aimed at making the system more future-ready.

But for communities across the entire Western Plains, the measure of success will be simple: can a young person get a trade locally, find a job, and eventually build or buy a home in their hometown?

“If we get that right then we’re not just training workers, we’re building communities,” Mr Butler said.