Council meeting update - 13 July 2021

Tuesday 13 July, 2021

Here is an overview of outcomes from tonight’s Ordinary Meeting of Tamworth Regional Council:

 A weir across the Peel River remains a future possibility with Councillors tonight asking for a report about actions needed “to support the clearing of the river and construction of a weir”. The move came following a lengthy discussion about a report which detailed an investigation into the feasibility of a weir in three locations in the Peel River near the Tamworth CBD. The report revealed a weir would have limited benefits for water security but Councillors discussed how a weir could enhance the recreational potential of the river adjacent to Bicentennial Park.

 Feedback from the community will be sought about a plan which aims to ensure a green and cool future for the Tamworth region. Councillors tonight authorised the public exhibition of the Draft Urban Street Tree Management Plan. The comprehensive plan is intended as guide for Council staff in managing trees in public spaces and discusses the importance of planting trees in a responsible and sustainable way. A wide range of topics related to urban street tree management are covered – ranging from tree risk management, tree removal policy, planning community planting days, planting trees in new subdivisions, and a list of recommended native and exotic tree species. The Urban Street Tree Advisory Group - made up of Councillors, interested community members, industry experts, and Council staff - developed the plan over the past 18 months. Community members wishing to submit written comments about the draft plan are encouraged to visit the MyTRC Online Community Portal before 11 August, 2021.

 Councillors received and noted a report which showed there was “no necessity” to establish a policy or public register to manage interactions between Councillors and staff with developers. The report detailed an investigation which concluded there was neither significant levels of public complaint nor a legislative requirement requiring a policy nor examples of any existing policies or registers across Australian local government.

 In the closed part of tonight’s meeting, Councillors agreed to authorise the Mayor and General Manager to finalise the sale of a large lot in the Stage One subdivision at the Tamworth Global Gateway Park. Sales of Stage One sites along Goddard Lane between the Oxley Highway and Wallamore Road are progressing well. Additional stages will become available as development of the 246ha site continues.

 A report regarding tenders for the construction and operation of the proposed Tamworth Organics Recycling Facility was dealt with in the closed part of tonight’s meeting. Council will now follow the usual procedures regarding tenders and inform all tenderers of the outcome. Once this has been completed we will be able to inform the community on the next steps for this project.

For more information, see the full reports here. 

Watch the video report here.