In October 2005, Tamworth Regional Council commissioned GHD Pty Ltd (GHD) to prepare the Tamworth Regional Development Strategy (RDS).
The primary aim of the RDS was to develop a comprehensive strategic planning framework for the Tamworth Regional Local Government Area that reflected the current and future needs of the regional community.
Purpose of the Strategy
The Tamworth RDS was prepared to provide a sound platform for a comprehensive review of the five local environmental plans that applied to the Local Government Area. The RDS was developed to guide the preparation of a new region-wide comprehensive LEP.
The RDS provides Council with a strong strategic framework to manage growth and to provide long term direction for urban and rural areas within the Tamworth region. The strategy assists in co-ordinating future development activities by identifying an orderly and efficient supply of lands in an environmentally acceptable way. One key objective of the strategy is to ensure that the Tamworth region is developed as a great place to “live, work and play” for its existing and future residents.
Contents of the Strategy
The RDS covers a wide range of social, economic and environmental issues such as:
- principles for achieving a sustainable lifestyle
- strengthening the region and support of existing centres
- meeting cultural and social needs
- meeting future housing needs
- supporting and protecting rural futures
- supporting employment and economic development
- caring for the natural environment
- improving transport and accessibility
- improving infrastructure provision
- specific strategies for towns and villages
- implementation and monitoring of the strategy
Finalisation and Exhibition of the Strategy
The Draft Regional Development Strategy was finalised by GHD in December 2006 and was publicly exhibited in March 2007. The Regional Development Strategy was adopted by Council in November 2007 and subsequently endorsed by the Department of Planning in April 2008.
The new, comprehensive Local Environmental Plan for the Tamworth Regional Local Government Area was officially published in the Government Gazette on 21 January 2011 and took effect from that date.
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