A diverse and large region such as New England North West is home to diverse communities – lifestyles differ depending on landscapes, industries, centres and the type of housing available.
People
We expect to the see the highest numbers of new residents in Tamworth, Armidale and Moree.
Around 8,500 additional homes will be needed across the region from 2021 to 2041. Like many places in NSW, we need to plan for a higher proportion of older people in the region. By 2041, nearly a quarter of the population will be over 65.
This has implications for health and social care. It also has implications when planning for housing, so that people can keep living in the area they know. Older people need easy access to services and the ability to safely get around their local or nearest town centre.
Around 12% of the region’s population identify as Aboriginal people – a high proportion compared to regional NSW (6%) and NSW as a whole (3%). There are 21 Local Aboriginal Land Councils operating in the region.
The regional plan establishes strategies to better conserve Aboriginal cultural heritage, support connections to Country and create opportunities for economic empowerment. You can find out more at objective 14 (PDF, 19.9 MB), objective 15 (PDF, 19.9 MB) and objective 16 (PDF, 19.9 MB).
Download the New England North West Region Plan 2041 (PDF, 19.9 MB).
Places
The region’s places offer historic buildings and tree-lined streets. This unique character and sense of place attracts visitors and residents alike.
The region is anchored by its regional cities of Tamworth and Armidale. Australia’s first regional university was established in Armidale in 1954. Tamworth provides aviation, health and employment services.
Armidale is home to emerging agricultural and renewable energy industries. Most residential growth will see more compact types of housing in existing areas. New jobs will be provided around Armidale Airport and existing industrial zones.
Most new development in Tamworth will occur in the city’s north and south. New jobs are planned in new industrial and business parks around Tamworth Airport.
People also rely on the strategic centres of Gunnedah, Glen Innes, Narrabri, Moree and Inverell.
Cooling Moree’s high street
Your High Street will create a cooler environment and safe space for the Moree community by planting more trees, shade structures, misters, traffic calming devices and lighting along Balo Street.
This could reduce ambient temperatures by up to 15 degrees.
Smaller towns like Barraba, Bingara, Guyra, Manilla, Quirindi, Tenterfield, Walcha, Warialda and Uralla are valued by local communities, providing day to day needs.
The regional plan also focuses on these centres and how each area can support residents and surrounding rural communities. Most development will be focused in existing towns and villages to limit conflict with agricultural uses.
Find out more by reading: