The city of Tamworth is set to benefit from new housing sites thanks to a landmark package from the NSW Liberal and National Government.

Member for Tamworth Kevin Anderson said the city was one of eight sites that will be prioritised by the NSW Government as part of the new three-year Crown Land Housing program.

“The NSW Liberal and Nationals Government, Tamworth Local Aboriginal Land Council, Tamworth Regional Council and the NSW Aboriginal land councils have signed a historic agreement to unlock new housing sites in Tamworth,” Mr Anderson said.

“This local agreement is part of the State Government’s broader strategy to activate under-utilised Crown land across the State to help future generations secure a home.

“Under the agreement all parties will assess a broad range of potential housing development opportunities, including on Crown land, Council-owned land and land owned by the Local Aboriginal Land Council (LALC).

“All sites will be assessed for housing feasibility including ensuring there is a mix of social, affordable and market housing to meet local needs as well considering any Aboriginal interests, such as land claims and native title.

“This approach will put us in the best position to respond to the need for increased housing supply in the Tamworth region.  In coming months we will assess up to 10 sites centred around the hospital in North Tamworth and a number of sites along Forest Road. Once this is complete a shortlist of preferred housing sites will be finalised.

Tamworth Local Aboriginal Land Council Chair Daisy Cutmore said it was hoped the arrangement will deliver many benefits for the local community.

“We are pleased to join the partnership to work side-by-side to support housing for Tamworth and also unlock benefits for the Aboriginal community,” Ms Cutmore said.

Tamworth Region Mayor Russell Webb said housing supply and affordability is a key issue for many local residents and the arrangement is an important step in right direction.

“Council has been working towards a number of solutions to address the current housing shortage and we are very excited to be working with these other parties to deliver more affordable homes for,” Cr Webb said.

NSW Aboriginal Land Council (NSWALC) Councillor for the Northern Region, Cr Charles Lynch, said NSWALC will continue working with all parties.

“We are looking forward to delivering more housing, along with economic, social and cultural opportunities for Tamworth Local Aboriginal Land Council and the Aboriginal community.”

It is anticipated that a formal planning approval process for selected land can start by the end of 2023.