Tamworth prepares to take advantage of growth opportunities

Tamworth Regional Council will commence planning for population growth to ensure the city is ready to take advantage of the many opportunities a larger population will bring.

Identified as one of the state’s key regional growth centres, Tamworth has the potential to reach a population of 100,000, which presents a huge opportunity and a need to proactively plan for this growth.

Tamworth Region Acting Mayor, Phil Betts, said the opportunities associated with population growth cannot be underestimated.

“This is a huge opportunity for Tamworth with enormous benefits for our community including better education, better healthcare, more jobs, better public transport, better infrastructure and facilities, improved lifestyle and improved living standards,” he said.

“If we can harness this growth opportunity, it will also lead to greater levels of federal government funding and support.”

Brent McAlister, Director of Planning and Compliance at Tamworth Regional Council said: “We know that in order to reach a population of 100,000 we need the infrastructure to support this growth. 

“Over the next 12 months, we will be developing Blueprint 100; a growth management strategy which will set the direction for all current and future planning processes in the Tamworth region to ensure we can realise the benefits of this growth opportunity.

“We understand we need to work hard to get the balance right so that our community can continue to have the great lifestyle that Tamworth provides while also enjoying the many benefits that a larger regional centre will bring.

“We will be asking the community, businesses and identified growth sectors to share their ideas and vision for the future to assist us in determining the best way forward,” he said.

Council outlined the Blueprint 100 project and the associated opportunities at the Tamworth Business Chambers’ State of the City breakfast last week. 

Tamworth Business Chamber Vice President Stephanie Cameron said that the business community will benefit greatly from this growth.

“Population growth will bring a number of benefits for our local business community, the most important being a strong, sustainable economy.

“We support Council’s vision and look forward to contributing to the Blueprint 100 growth management strategy,” she said.

The attached map highlights the proposed growth corridors for the Blueprint 100, indicating the land releases, projects and precincts that will be considered as part of the strategy.   

Council is in the process of appointing a consultant to assist in developing the Blueprint 100 strategy.