More than 200 new homes could be built in East Tamworth under a rezoning proposal now on public exhibition, aimed at easing pressure in the region’s tight housing market.
The NSW Government has moved to unlock 16.5 hectares of surplus government-owned land about 1.5 kilometres from the Tamworth CBD, with plans for around 213 homes if approved.
The development would include a mix of housing types, with at least 30 per cent set aside for social and affordable housing to be managed by a community housing provider.
The site includes former TAFE NSW land, along with neighbouring Crown and council-owned parcels identified as suitable for housing through a statewide land audit.
NSW Minister for Planning Paul Scully said the proposal would help deliver homes in a well-located part of the city.
“This rezoning proposal will help deliver more than 200 homes close to jobs, services and open space in the heart of Tamworth,” he said.
“Unlocking opportunities for more homes to be built in Tamworth will help ease a tight regional housing market.”
The proposal also includes new shared pathways linking the site to nearby areas such as the Victoria Park precinct, TAFE NSW and Oxley High School, along with opportunities for new and improved open space.
NSW Minister for Housing Rose Jackson said the project would help address growing demand for social housing in the region.
“With more than 600 people on the social housing waitlist in Tamworth, we are taking decisive action to build much-needed new homes for the region,” she said.
Minister for Lands and Property Steve Kamper said the project was part of a broader effort to make better use of unused government land.
“This site was identified through the land audit, which has now uncovered opportunities for around 11,400 new homes across NSW,” he said.
The rezoning proposal is on public exhibition for 28 days, with submissions open until 29 May via the NSW Planning Portal.
If approved, the development would form part of the state’s wider housing program aimed at increasing supply in regional centres.
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