The challenge for Tamworth Regional Council and the community is to manage the development of the region in a socially, economically and environmentally sustainable manner for the benefit of the community and future generations. The role that councils are playing in the management of the environment and their commitment to dealing with the climate change is highlighted by the Local Government Excellence in Environment Awards, which included a climate change category for the first time in 2007. Sustainability means different things to different people. Tamworth Regional Council has helped to develop a vision of sustainability for the Namoi Catchment of "vibrant communities and landscapes for the future".

Resource Efficiency and Sustainability Tamworth Regional Council is committed to sustainable development, which aims to meet human needs in the present while preserving the environment so that these needs can continue to be met in the future.

Climate Change Climate change is a complex issue that can quickly polarise views. While the causes may be disputed, there is general acceptance across the spectrum of opinion that there is an increase in global average temperatures. These increased temperatures are projected to result in drier conditions across New England and the north west region of NSW along with a moderate decrease in winter rainfall and slight to moderate increase in rainfall in other seasons.

Sustainability - what can you do A good place to start making your own contribution to sustainability is to limit your impact on the environment by reduced use of non-renewable resources and reuse and recycle.

State of the Environment Report Each year Council must prepare a State of the Environment Report, which provides a public record of the activities of government, industry and the community in protecting and restoring the environment. The report covers eight environmental criteria that include biodiversity, waste, noise, and aboriginal and non-aboriginal heritage. It reports on the effectiveness of policies and programs and provides early warning signs of potential problems.

Namoi Local Government Group The Namoi Local Government Group (NLGG) is a partnership between the Namoi Catchment Management Authority and the seven councils in the Namoi Catchment. The NLGG collaborates on natural resource management projects to achieve a healthy and viable catchment. The Group has recently completed the Namoi Urban Sustainability Plan and is participating in the Urban Riparian Project.

Namoi Urban Sustainability Plan The Namoi Urban Sustainability Plan provides the councils in the Namoi Catchment with a broad direction and vision for a range of sustainability issues in their regions. The Plan focuses on the urban areas of the four main councils which are Gunnedah Shire Council, Liverpool Plains Shire Council, Narrabri Shire Council and Tamworth Regional Council.

Energy Savings Action Plan The NSW Government's water and energy savings initiatives encourage business, government and households to use water and energy more efficiently. In early 2005, all local councils in NSW with populations in excess of 50,000, along with other high energy using businesses were required to produce Energy Savings Action Plans. The plans involve assessing current water or energy use and identifying ways to reduce water and energy consumption. Tamworth Regional Council is continuing to make progress towards achieving the energy efficient actions identified in the plan.

Illegal Dumping Illegal dumping is estimated to cost NSW councils about $10 million a year in removal and clean up of illegal dump sites. The costs to the community can be far greater in environmental and social terms. Illegal dumping contributes to the degradation of land and runoff can contaminate soil and water sources. Dump sites can present a health risk and reduce the recreational use of public land.

Bird Routes Tamworth Regional Council is committed to protecting the natural environment. Although many woodlands have been cleared for grazing and cereal production and bird populations have significantly declined, the region still boasts 240 species of birds. The Tamworth region is renowned for some significant species, particularly the increasingly rare and endangered Regent Honeyeater, which is dependant upon the nectar of a small number of eucalypt species. The Bird Routes of the Tamworth Regional Council Area provides details of more than 30 sites where many of the region's species can be seen.