Forbes development project

Crown Lands oversees the state’s Crown land assets with some 34 million hectares or around 42% of NSW. Homes NSW and Crown Lands are working together to provide homes for:

• key workers
• social housing residents
• private purchasers
• Aboriginal families.

The project site

The project site is around 10 hectares of vacant Crown land, with access off Farnell Street and Dawson Street. It is 2.2 kilometres north of Forbes town centre.

The land was zoned for residential use by Forbes Shire Council in 2013.

Homes NSW intends to subdivide the site to create around 102 new lots. This will deliver around 132 private, social, and affordable homes over the next 3 to 4 years. There will be:

• about 28 new homes for social housing residents
• 12 affordable and key workers homes.

Timeline for project

After exhibition and consideration of community and stakeholders’ feedback, development plans will be finalised. A Part 5 planning approval will be granted in mid 2025.

Construction will start in mid to late 2025. This will prepare the land for the construction of homes, commencing in 2026

When civil works to subdivide the land have started, Homes NSW will appoint a sales agent. The agent will market and sell individual lots to interested parties in 2025. Home construction will start in 2026.

Approximately 28 social housing dwellings will be built by Homes NSW. These will be a mix of dual occupancy dwellings and seniors’ living villas.

The social housing will be built to a standard appropriate with modern homes in the area and blend in with the surrounding development.

Community feedback on the proposed residential subdivision

Homes NSW invited community members to provide feedback in February 2024 .

Two drop-in sessions were held at Forbes Town Hall on the 14th and 15th February, during the public exhibition period. We thank everyone who attended, and for the submissions we received.

A planning report that addresses these submissions will be finalised in mid-2025.

Next steps

Homes NSW acquired this land from Crown Lands in March 2025.

Security fencing will be erected before construction begins to prohibit public access.

More information

As the project develops through the planning process over the coming months, please keep an eye on this website.

If you have any questions, please email the Community Engagement team at communityengagement@homes.nsw.gov.au or call 1800 738 718