East Tamworth Housing Plan Unlocks More Than 200 New Homes
The East Tamworth housing plan has cleared a key planning step, opening the way for more than 200 new homes on vacant government-owned land in regional New South Wales. The rezoning covers 15.5 hectares and provides for a mix of private, social and affordable housing.
Announced by the NSW Government on 14 October 2026, the plan includes more than 70 social and affordable homes. The site is around 1.5 kilometres from Tamworth’s central business district, placing the proposed development close to jobs, schools, public transport and open spaces.
East Tamworth housing plan sets aside space for affordable homes
Under the finalised planning controls, at least 30 per cent of the homes on the site must be social and affordable housing. Buildings will range from one to three storeys, while shared pathways will connect the new precinct with nearby areas, including the Victoria Park Precinct.
The plans also include upgrades to utilities, stormwater systems, local roads and car parking. Homes NSW will fund and deliver this infrastructure in collaboration with Tamworth Regional Council as development progresses.
The site was identified as suitable for housing through a government land audit. Following community feedback, the final rezoning was reduced by one hectare to limit environmental impacts and protect Aboriginal cultural heritage.
The NSW Government said two-thirds of the planned homes would be built and owned by private buyers. The remaining housing mix includes social and affordable dwellings intended to improve access to housing for people who need it.
Housing supply targets regional demand
The project comes as Tamworth faces pressure on its social housing supply. According to the NSW Government, more than 600 households are on the town’s social housing waitlist. The additional homes are intended to help address this demand over the coming years.
Homes NSW submitted the rezoning proposal under the state’s $6.6 billion Building Homes for NSW program, which aims to increase housing supply through government-led initiatives. The state’s social and affordable housing rezoning pathway is designed to speed up planning for housing projects proposed by government agencies.
The rezoning establishes the planning framework for the proposed homes, but it does not mean all the dwellings are already built. The development will need to progress through the relevant stages before residents can move in.
For East Tamworth, the plan creates an opportunity to turn underused public land into a residential precinct with a mix of housing options and supporting infrastructure.
