More than 200 new homes, including at least 70 social and affordable dwellings, could help ease Tamworth’s growing housing pressures following the rezoning of government-owned land in East Tamworth.
The NSW Government has approved the rezoning of 15.5 hectares of vacant land, paving the way for a mix of private, social and affordable housing just 1.5 kilometres from Tamworth’s CBD.
The development is expected to help address housing shortages across the region, where more than 600 households are currently on the social housing waiting list.
At least 30 per cent of the new homes will be designated as social and affordable housing, while approximately two-thirds will be privately owned.
The precinct will feature buildings ranging from one to three storeys, with shared pathways connecting residents to surrounding neighbourhoods, including Victoria Park.
The site is also close to schools, employment opportunities, public transport and open spaces.
Following community consultation, the development area was reduced by one hectare to minimise environmental impacts and protect Aboriginal cultural heritage.
Infrastructure upgrades, including roads, parking, stormwater systems and utilities, will be delivered alongside construction, with Homes NSW funding the works in collaboration with Tamworth Regional Council.
The rezoning forms part of the NSW Government’s $6.6 billion Building Homes for NSW program, which aims to increase housing supply through the development of government-owned land.
Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said the rezoning would provide more housing options for local residents.
“Unlocking more than 200 homes including more than 70 social and affordable homes is a commonsense outcome for this vacant government owned land.” said Scully.
This rezoning will support the delivery of much-needed homes in Tamworth so young people, families and key workers can live in the communities they choose close to jobs, transport and services.
“This is another example of the Minns Labor Government tackling the state’s housing challenges head on, NSW continues to have the most homes under construction in the state.”
Minister for Lands and Property Steve Kamper said the project demonstrated how surplus government land could be used to address housing demand in regional communities.
“Unlocking this East Tamworth site will help deliver more homes and give regional communities greater access to housing.
“The audit is helping us identify land that can be put to better use, creating opportunities to deliver more homes in the places where they’re needed.
“By making better use of surplus government land, we can turn underused sites into housing opportunities for people across NSW.”
Minister for Housing and Homelessness Rose Jackson said the rezoning would create opportunities for residents struggling to secure stable accommodation.
“This rezoning means more than 70 new social and affordable homes can now be delivered on land that was sitting vacant.
“With more than 600 people on the social housing waitlist in Tamworth, this rezoning will help provide more people in need with a safe and secure place to call home.
“Through our $6.6 billion Building Homes for NSW program, we’re putting government land to work and getting on with building more homes so people across the state can access a safe and secure home.”
The proposal was assessed through the NSW Government’s social and affordable housing rezoning pathway, designed to accelerate housing projects proposed by state housing agencies.
While the rezoning clears a major planning hurdle, construction timelines have not yet been announced.
Further information is available through the NSW Planning Portal.
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