'Opportunity to deliver': $50m in projects just waiting to be built across region

From massive unique housing proposals to city-changing transport proposals, millions of dollars' worth of developments are planned and waiting to go up across the city and the region. With some of these Dubbo area projects approved, and the groundwork mostly done on the others, when will residents finally see their impact? Here are the latest updates on seven projects worth more than a combined $50 million. Just metres from the massive Aspiring Early Learners childcare centre and the historic RAAF Stores Base, this unique, dense housing proposal is indicative of the future of housing in Dubbo. Monash Gardens - 2R Monash Street, Dubbo - is a 47-lot townhouse proposal that was approved in May 2023 but, with extensive demolition works already complete, the site has recently been put up for sale via Raine and Horne Dubbo. The 1.35-hectare site would be home to 31 four-bedroom townhouses, 11 five-bedroom homes, five three-bedroom homes, and a community open space; there are hopes its sale could pave the way for a builder to start the project before development consent expires in 2028. "[The property] represents a significant opportunity to deliver scale into one of regional NSW's major housing and employment centres," the selling agents' advert said. The project could complement MAAS Group's proposed nearby 211-lot, $74 million housing proposal for part of the RAAF Stores Base. There is movement in Dubbo Regional Council's attempts to facilitate a rail overpass in the west of Dubbo. In a confidential session of its September 8, 2026 committee meetings, councillors will discuss the purchase of land in the vicinity of Minore Road to create the overpass, part of a Western Distributor plan, a multi million-dollar proposal to route freight and heavy vehicles away from the centre of the city. The distributor is also in line with the state government's Central West and Orana strategic transport plan. "This railway overpass will ensure future traffic can distribute from South West to Central West Dubbo, as well as freight movements moving along the western distributor in the future," the council's delivery program said. Council engaged engineers to consult on plans for the overpass during the 2023-24 period. Related to the distributor plan is the South Dubbo Bridge proposal. More than $100,000 of state government funds have already been put into the creation of strategic options for the bridge as well as a detailed business case. While two options, one which would have affected Sandy Beach, were eliminated, two other options, connected to Tamworth Street and Bligh Street, were never struck out - could Dubbo see the creation of one of the $35 million-plus bridges in the future? Minister for Western NSW, Tara Moriarty finally visited Dubbo in February 2026 and confirmed that more than $15 million would be dedicated to stage one of the PCYC Sports World improvements, but work has not yet begun. Those changes include the installation of new mechanical backboard systems, scoreboards, and audio-visual fit out - the existing indoor cricket facilities will be converted to a third basketball court. New front-of-house amenities including a foyer, cafe, and offices, as well as a youth hub, fitness gym, Police Youth Engagement Officer centre, a multipurpose program room, and meeting spaces will also be installed. The state government will provide $10.4 million, while PCYC NSW will provide $4.9 million. At the February 2026 announcement, PCYC NSW CEO Ben Hobby said that residents would "see the results" of the announcement by the end of the year. The improvements form only the beginning of the changes to the youth sports precinct. Speaking to The Daily Liberal, Dubbo Regional Council mayor Josh Black said that "pushing for stage two funding of the sports hub" would be among his top priorities if he is re-elected as mayor in September 2026. A $2.9 million subdivision of the former Westview Drive-In Theatre in west Dubbo, the Westview Business Park is set to create 17 prime commercial spaces. "There is strong demand for well-located commercial land and buildings in Dubbo," selling agent Andrew McDonald told The Daily Liberal in January 2025. The 10-hectare site was bought by developers in 2002, and the subdivision was approved in mid-2024. To date, however, it is understood only four of the 17 lots have been sold. The property is situated along the Mitchell Highway, 1.4 kilometres east of the Dubbo Regional Airport. Everything is full steam ahead on Wellington's Renewable Energy Awareness Career Training (REACT) Centre after Dubbo's Lyons Business Management was awarded the tender for the centre. It is understood they were chosen from a list of 22 competing bidders. The centre is set to be built at 93 Simpson Street, Wellington after Dubbo Regional Council confirmed it purchased the vacant lot - 100 metres south of Wellington Train Station - in April 2026. Council says the project aims to prepare local workers for an estimated 5000 construction jobs related to the Central-West Orana Renewable Energy Zone before 2034. The huge, 2698-square-metre former railway barracks next to the Dubbo Train Station are still up for sale via Bob Berry Real Estate and can still be transformed by new owners. The property is currently owned by Fletchers International, and buyers can capitalise on existing development consent for an accommodation hub that still has three years of validity. The approval allows for the establishment of 37 rooms, eight en suites, bathrooms, 21 parking spaces, and a balcony. Located next to Victoria Park and ALDI - a five-minute walk from the Dubbo CBD - the massive centre could still become a massive accommodation hub.