A new housing development that would deliver 2350 new homes to Tamworth has received support from the NSW Government’s $30 million Regional Housing Fund.

Member for Tamworth Kevin Anderson said Tamworth Regional Council was one of just 21 regional council’s who were successful in obtaining a $1.4 million grant to help fast-track housing development and ease the housing shortage across regional NSW.

“We know that one of the key issues faced in our region and across regional NSW is a shortage in housing supply, which is making it difficult for families to find a home,” Mr Anderson said.

“Last year, the NSW Government established the Regional Housing Taskforce in response to our housing shortage and heard directly from local stakeholders regarding the obstacles faced in enabling new supply for Tamworth.

“The Regional Housing Fund eases the financial pressure on Council when it comes to planning the new development, meaning our city will be adding 2350 new homes sooner.

“The NSW Government is helping Tamworth grow by creating jobs and opportunities for families. We need the housing to support that growth and this fund unlocks the opportunity to accelerate that growth.”

Tamworth mayor Russell Webb said it was encouraging that the State Government recognised the importance of Tamworth as a high growth regional city, with the potential to provide significant housing supply for both existing and future residents of the region.

“Council has undertaken a substantial amount of strategic planning through the development of the Blueprint 100 strategy, and more recent planning at Arcadia Estate to provide a solid basis for securing funding of this kind,” he said.

“Bringing forward housing supply is a major priority for Council and resolving obstacles to infrastructure is a key factor in achieving this goal.”

Minister for Planning and Minister for Homes Anthony Roberts said the Government is focused on getting homes built, with the right infrastructure in place from the get-go. 

“We are helping 21 high-growth regional councils deliver 25 new projects that will provide services, open space and connections to fast-track a pipeline of new homes,” Mr Roberts said.

“This funding will help accelerate infrastructure and open space projects that will directly support more than 46,000 new homes where they’re needed in regional NSW.

“The strategic work needed to be done to receive this funding could pave the way for more than 113,000 new homes across these local government areas by 2040.”

Strategic planning milestones must be met by 31 December 2022 to qualify for the second phase of funding, with nominated infrastructure projects to be completed by 31 December 2023.

For more information on the Regional Housing Fund, visit www.planning.nsw.gov.au/regional-housing-fund