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NSW Budget 2025–26: What’s in It for Tamworth and the North West
30
June 2025
NSW Budget 2025–26: What’s in It for Tamworth and the North West

The NSW Government’s 2025–26 Budget has outlined its direction for regional development, with a focus on infrastructure, services, and economic transition. While there are no major changes to state taxation for most businesses, the Budget offers targeted investment in core areas across the New England and North West region.

Education

  • Tamworth High School will receive upgrades through the High Potential and Gifted Education School Partner Program.
  • A new public preschool will be delivered at Hillvue Public School as part of the government’s plan to construct 100 preschools across NSW.
  • Across the region, teacher vacancies have fallen by more than 50 percent since the peak in 2022.

Roads and Transport

  • $54.4 million over four years has been allocated to continue planning the duplication of the New England Highway (Goonoo Goonoo Road).
  • $31 million will support pavement upgrades and new overtaking lanes on the Newell Highway between Narrabri and Moree.

Infrastructure and Environment

  • $3 million has been committed to the Tamworth Advanced Water Treatment Plant to investigate recycled wastewater use and reduce pressure on potable supply.
  • The region remains a focus under the broader $2.1 billion Renewable Energy Zones program, with continued investment in the New England REZ.
  • Environmental funding continues through the Northern Basin Toolkit for ecological upgrades and water management.

Jobs and Regional Development

  • $27.3 million has been allocated to establish the Future Jobs and Investment Authority, which will support economic transition in coal-affected communities.
  • The Moree Special Activation Precinct continues to receive support to grow the region’s agribusiness, freight and renewable energy industries.

State Taxation and Business Measures

  • The payroll tax threshold remains unchanged at $1.2 million.
  • A full payroll tax rebate is available for regional GP clinics that bulk-bill 70 percent or more.
  • Land tax thresholds are frozen, while foreign owner land tax and purchaser surcharges will rise slightly from January 2025.
  • The 50 percent land tax concession for build-to-rent developments has been made permanent.

Housing and Planning

  • No Tamworth-specific housing projects were identified, but regional councils remain eligible for interest subsidies to support enabling infrastructure.
  • A $1 billion Pre-Sale Finance Guarantee will help unlock an estimated 5,000 new homes across the state.

While the budget continues funding for health, education, and roads in the region, there are limited new business-specific incentives. The overall focus remains on long-term economic transformation and regional infrastructure delivery.