We are accelerating the delivery of homes in regional areas by identifying suitable Crown land for residential development.
We are working to ease housing pressures in regional areas by identifying Crown land sites for residential development. These projects aim to deliver a mix of social, affordable, and market housing to meet local needs in high-demand locations. The initiative also seeks to improve economic outcomes for Aboriginal people and communities.
Initiative locations
The identified sites will focus on regions with high housing demand, long social housing waitlists, and significant economic growth opportunities. Homes NSW is a key partner in identifying those locations of highest priority, as are local councils who identify housing needs. Crown Lands is also participating in the government property audit process to identify surplus lands suitable for housing.
Partnerships
We are collaborating with the Homes NSW, Landcom, local councils, and Local Aboriginal Land Councils to address housing pressures. This partnership approach ensures that the projects align with community needs and respects Aboriginal interests.
Future plans
The focus on housing aligns with the Crown land 2031 strategy, a 10-year plan committed to accelerating economic progress in regional and rural NSW. The strategy aims to facilitate new and innovative uses for Crown land to benefit local communities.
Housing initiatives using Crown land
Albury
A historic agreement in Albury will see the NSW Government and Albury City Council identify housing opportunities to address rising demand. The agreement involves Crown Lands, Homes NSW, and Albury City Council with preliminary sites identified and currently subject to due diligence assessment, which considers planning and rezoning requirements, legal or environmental constraints, and recognition of Aboriginal interests.
Cooma
In Cooma, key workers, social housing residents, the local Aboriginal community, and families will benefit from an initiative to better utilise Crown land for housing. Up to 140 housing lots will be built in collaboration with Crown Lands, NSW Aboriginal Land Council, Merrimans Local Aboriginal Land Council, and Homes NSW. Construction has commenced on this project with initial home sites sold off the plan for Stages 1 and 2. Homes NSW is actively working with the Merrimans Local Aboriginal Land Council with a view to activating some of its land for housing opportunities.
Forbes
A landmark agreement in Forbes will redevelop 10.28 hectares of Crown land to deliver about 100 housing lots. This project aims to reduce housing pressure and provide an economic boost following the floods. The agreement involves Crown Lands, Homes NSW, Forbes Shire Council, Peak Hill Aboriginal Land Council, and the NSW Aboriginal Land Council. Acquisition of the site has been completed by Homes NSW, constructions works expected to commence towards the end of 2025.
North Tuncurry
Plans are underway to deliver much-needed housing supply to North Tuncurry by rezoning 615 hectares of Crown land next to Tuncurry town centre. Up to 2,100 new houses and apartments are expected to be delivered, helping the council meet its target of 10,000 new homes by 2036. Discussions are ongoing with NSW Aboriginal Land Council, Forster Local Aboriginal Land Council, and other Aboriginal parties.
Tamworth
An innovative agreement in Tamworth aims to identify and investigate underutilised sites for new housing supply. The agreement involves Crown Lands, Homes NSW, Tamworth Regional Council, Tamworth Local Aboriginal Land Council, the NSW Aboriginal Land Council, and Landcom. Potential sites will be assessed for housing, considering planning and rezoning requirements, legal or environmental constraints, and recognition of Aboriginal interests. An initial site has been identified in North Tamworth that is currently undergoing due diligence assessment work, including investigations to rezone the site for residential purposes. This has the potential to deliver up to 134 home sites on both Crown land and other surplus government property.
Greta
Crown Lands, Homes NSW, Cessnock Council, Mindaribba Local Aboriginal Land Council and NSW Aboriginal Land Council are investigating an opportunity for residential development on lands owned by Council, Crown Lands and Mindaribba LALC. The site is currently subject to due diligence assessment and the parties are working towards entering into a deed of agreement for the project.
Wagga Wagga
Crown Lands, Homes NSW, Wagga Wagga Council, TAFE and Charles Sturt University are contemplating an opportunity for a partnership to investigate housing outcomes in an area of Wagga Wagga that has been identified for residential expansion. The parties are working towards establishing a deed of agreement that will define next steps for the project.
Garden Suburb
Landcom is currently constructing a residential release in Garden Suburb, 20 mins from the Newcastle CBD. This site is formerly Crown Land and is being developed under the Crown Lands Homesites Program. It will deliver around 105 homes, with a minimum 30% to be developed as affordable housing. 70% of the site will be retained as bushland, to be retained in perpetuity. Sales of the site are expected to commence late 2025 to early 2026.