The development would house an estimated 5000 residents, who would be living there within 15 – 20 years.

Concerns have rightly been raised about the infrastructure needed to support this new development – water, roads, education and community services to name but a few. 

However, if long term investment forecasts are correct, council could be on the right track here.

Historically, we are now at the beginning of massive social shift in Australia, with the first of the so-called baby boomer generation about to enter retirement.

This group, made up of people born between 1946 and 1964 – represents 4.5 million people, or 20% of the population.

What they do with their retirement years, and where they spend and invest, is going to have an enormous influence on the economy.

Many people reading this will be part of this group, and as we are constantly being told, we don't have enough put away for our retirement.

Through no fault of this hardworking generation, in many cases superannuation and other investments have not necessarily performed well and the cost of living has only gone up.

What does this mean for regional areas like Tamworth?

Property forecasters say it could well mean a mass exodus from the major cities, as baby boomers seek to downsize. 

An attractive option will be to sell a home in the city and buy one in the country for half the price, while then going on to enjoy the more affordable lifestyle available in the regions.

One could well argue that the strong social fabric and sense of community of our country towns is also going to be attractive to this group.

Which brings us back to the question of services and infrastructure to support the growth.

Regional councils should have an eye on these trends and be planning now for residential growth.

At the same, they should be ensuring investment and growth is happening in sectors such as aged care and in health services for this section of the population. 

This can be a win win for Tamworth if we get the planning right.