A site that has sat empty in the heart of Quirindi for almost ten years is finally being released to the market, after Liverpool Plains Shire Council spent close to a decade pushing the NSW Government to act.
The former TAFE NSW campus on Gamble Street has been vacant since TAFE operations moved to the Quirindi Learning Centre in 2017. The NSW Government is now inviting Expressions of Interest for the site through a public tender process via PRD Liverpool Plains, with submissions closing Monday, 28 July.
Mayor Ken Cudmore said the release marked the end of years of advocacy from Council.
“We welcome the NSW Government’s decision to progress the sale of the former Quirindi TAFE campus and ensure a surplus government asset is put to productive use, and appreciate the Government’s engagement on this issue.”
Cudmore said Council had long argued the site was being wasted.
“The campus hasn’t been used since TAFE operations moved to the Quirindi Learning Centre in 2017, and Council has consistently highlighted the benefits of releasing the site to the market given its obvious development potential.”
He said the site’s location made it a genuine opportunity for the town.
“Positioned within an established residential precinct and close to the new Quirindi Aquatic Centre, this is a well-located site that been underutilised for a long time. Its release creates a real opportunity to deliver new housing and support growth in our community.”
The breakthrough followed a meeting earlier this year between the Mayor, General Manager and Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education Steve Whan at Parliament House in Sydney.
“We thank Minister Whan for taking the time to meet with Council and hear directly about the opportunity this site presents,” Cudmore said.
“Having visited Quirindi and seen the TAFE campus firsthand, the Minister has a clear understanding of the site’s potential and its importance to the community’s future growth, and we are very grateful for this support in progressing this outcome.”
Member for Tamworth Kevin Anderson said the result reflected sustained local pressure on the Government.
“I’ve been campaigning hard with the Liverpool Plains Shire Council to get the government TAFE site in Quirindi released to the public. It’s been vacant and gathering dust for many years.”
“Led by the mayor, Ken Cudmore, and staff and councilors, the government has now agreed to release that site to the public. It can now be used for housing or community infrastructure.”
“That’s a great win for the Liverpool Plains Shire Council, and great win for the community.”
Liverpool Plains Shire Deputy Mayor Donna Lawson said the flat, level site was well suited to addressing a specific gap in Quirindi’s housing options.
“It’s been nearly 10 years that it’s been sitting here unused, and it’s such a wonderful site, potentially for housing. I think it’d make a great retirement village.”
“It’s lovely level flat land. People want to come here and have a bit of space around them, but people also want town blocks as well, and there’s a real lack of that at the moment.”
Expressions of interest for the site close on Monday, 28 July.
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