29 May, 2009
The first of a series of public forums this week on the 2009 draft management plan for Tamworth Regional Council hits the road tomorrow (Tuesday) at Barraba and Manilla.
A series of roadshows that takes details of the draft budget and corporate plans for the next year out to residents across Tamworth Regional Council has its debut from 5.30pm in the TRC Barraba offices moving onto Manilla at 7.30pm Tuesday.
Councillors and senior staff from TRC will attend the forums to provide information and detail to residents and ratepayers.
Traditionally, the forums provide local detail about specific projects and programs for the area as well as the extensive outline of what exactly what TRC plans to spend its money on and how it proposes to source revenue to do that over the next financial year.
The Nundle forum will be held Wednesday June 3 at the CWA Rooms in Jenkins Street from 5pm with the Kootingal meeting set down for Kootingal Public Hall in Denman Avenue from 5:30pm. The final forum is in Tamworth at the Darling St community centre from 6pm on Thursday (June 4).
General Manager Glenn Inglis says if 2009 is anything like other years he doesn't expect to see too many in the public galleries but he's hoping to be pleasantly surprised by a good turnout in the centres.
"It would be terrific if we had a fair bit of interest from residents. The forums are designed to give specific information about various projects and programs. It’s a golden opportunity to get accurate details about what TRC is planning to do next year," Mr Inglis said.
The forums aren’t the only avenue for public feedback and community consultation. The draft management plan is on the TRC website at www.tamworth.nsw.gov.au/council or can be viewed in any TRC office. The draft considers a deficit in a total 2009/2010 budget of some $192 million with a capital works program of about $96 million.
TRC is forecasting a deficit budget to continue some big budget projects and infrastructure building and maintain service levels to the community on current programs.
Submissions are invited on any issue in the draft management plan and can be forwarded to TRC before June 24. TRC will adopt the final plan at a special meeting on Thursday June 25.