Tamworth Regional Council is currently undertaking the development of a variety of major projects. Some of the projects, as specified in the latest Management Plan are listed below.
Split Rock Dam to Barraba Pipeline
In 2010/2011, the Federal Government, the NSW Government and Council each provided up to $150,000 to complete a feasibility study into the proposed pipeline. This Feasibility Study is scheduled for completion in May 2011. During the 2011 election campaign, the present State Government committed funds towards the pipeline project. These funds, together with funds already committed by Council, means that Council is now awaiting the Federal Government to commit funding to the project in order for the detailed design and construction of the pipeline to ommence.
Chaffey Dam Upgrade
In February 2011, the Federal and State Governments announced funding for the augmentation of Chaffey Dam. This funding together with funding provided by the Peel Valley Irrigators and Tamworth Regional Council will see the dam’s storage capacity increase from the present 62 Gigalitres to 100 Gigalitres. The enlarged dam will ensure the viability of the existing irrigation industry in the Peel Valley and improve the security and reliability of water for Tamworth City.
In March 2011, the State Government completed Stage 1 of the Chaffey Dam Safety Upgrade. Stage 1 and Stage 2 of the safety upgrade are necessary components of the augmentation of the dam. The funding announcement will see Stage 2 of the safety upgrade and the raising of the dam wall to increase the storage capacity completed, with construction scheduled to commence in 2012. Council has included a $2,482,000 contribution to this project in the 2011/2012 budget.
Regional and Local Community Infrastructure Program – Round 3
Council is currently undertaking twenty one projects throughout the region, at a value of $544,000 funded by Round 3 of the Australian Government’s Regional and Local Community Infrastructure Program. The Round 3 program, to be completed by 31 December 2011, will provide continuing stimulus to the local economy as well as providing important community infrastructure.
Tamworth Regional Airport Security Upgrade
The Tamworth Regional Airport Passenger Terminal Building will undergo significant modifications in accordance with the new security requirements of the Federal Government, under their Strengthening Aviation Security Initiative - Regional and Domestic Aviation program. The modifications to the terminal building are anticipated to cost $3million and will include a new departures lounge and upgrades to the arrivals and airline check-in areas. The Federal Government will contribute $650,000 towards the purchase of the necessary equipment.
Aquatic Centre
The establishment of an indoor aquatic centre remains a high priority for the region. During 2010/2011, Council consulted with representatives from Tamworth and District Aquatic Centre (TADAC) and developed draft concept plans for the new centre. This concept will be developed into a detailed proposal during 2011/2012, along with a comprehensive business plan and funding strategies for consideration in conjunction with the 2012/2013 Community Strategic Plan and Budget.