The New South Wales government has finalised the rezoning of 15.5 hectares of vacant state-owned land in East Tamworth, paving the way for more than 200 new residences to ease regional housing pressures.
Identified through the government’s land audit, the precinct sits just 1.5 kilometres from the Tamworth central business district. The development will feature a mix of private, social, and affordable dwellings, providing housing close to local employment hubs, schools, public transport, and open space.
At least 30 per cent of the site, equal to over 70 homes, will be dedicated to social and affordable housing delivered by Homes NSW under the AU$6.6 billion Building Homes for NSW program. The remaining two-thirds of the dwellings will be available for private purchase.
The rezoning addresses demand in the region, where more than 600 households are currently on the social housing waiting list.
In response to community consultation, planning controls were adjusted to reduce the development footprint by one hectare, protecting environmental features and Aboriginal cultural heritage. The final plan allows for building heights of one to three storeys, along with new shared pathways connecting to the Victoria Park Precinct.
Homes NSW will collaborate with Tamworth Regional Council to fund and construct essential local infrastructure, including utility, stormwater, road, and parking upgrades alongside the housing build.
Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said the rezoning was a commonsense outcome for surplus government land.
“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,” Scully said.
“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,” added Minister for Housing and Homelessness Rose Jackson.
