Up to 100 new full-time jobs will be coming to the region in the next few months with Armidale today revealed as one of four locations for the home of the recently-created Department of Regional NSW.
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An elated Member for Northern Tablelands Adam Marshall said it was another "huge coup" for the region.
"I'm absolutely thrilled," he said.
"This news will be a massive shot in the arm for Armidale and the entire Northern Tablelands and couldn't come at a better time.
Mr Marshall said the decision would mean better decision-making at the department, but also meant pure financial stimulus for the New England.
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"After a really tough 12 months for the region, I think this marks a real turning point for our economy, with the potential to deliver more than 100 new pay cheques through a mix of new and relocated jobs."
The New England will be home to one of four new offices for the Department, with offices also to be established in Queanbeyan, Dubbo and Coffs Harbour.
Armidale Regional Council Chief Executive Officer Susan Law welcomed the news, saying it showed the government has confidence in the region.
"We have already seen the benefits from the relocation of other industries to Armidale and we're excited to see a similar outcome from hosting the Department of Regional NSW office," she said.
Labor MLC and Shadow Minister for Rural Affairs Mick Veitch said communities that missed out on the Department decentralisation like Tamworth are entitled to an explanation as to why.
"It's good to be announcing communities that are getting these jobs but places that missed out deserve to know why they missed out and the deputy premier and the National Party should be explaining to communities why they missed out."
