Council Meeting Update - 24 February 2026

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

  • Councillors have agreed to allow Energy Co entry to Council Owned Properties behind Council’s Dungowan Dam to carry out preliminary investigations on a proposed route for 2 transmissions lines to service the New England Renewable Energy Zone. Following completion of the investigation phase, EnergyCo will present findings to Council, including where they believe the most suitable alignment for the transmission lines may be.
  • Councillors decided not to proceed with the construction of the of an Organics Recycling Facility (ORF) due to the high cost to build the facility. At $69.4M, the cost is considerably higher than Council’s budget of $44.6M and is unaffordable without significant rate increases.
  • Councillors have reviewed and approved the variations to the Annual Operational Plan 2025/2026 Budget Variation Report. As there was no Council meeting held in January, the report outlined the proposed budget variations for December 2025 and January 2026.
  • Councillors noted the outcomes of a legal case brought by a community member (the Applicant) against Council for the construction of the Skywalk. The Court delivered judgement in Council’s favour, with final costs determined to be payable by the Applicant.
  • Councillors agreed to endorse the Tamworth Regional Council Draft Night Time Economy Strategy for the purpose of public exhibition. The Draft Strategy will go on public exhibition for 28 days for community feedback and consultation. Following this period, Council will receive a further report on feedback received and any amendments to the Strategy for consideration and adoption. 
  • Councillors tonight approved Cr Marc Sutherland to attend the NSW Closing the Gap Gathering: Yambamanjang this week in Sydney. Cr Sutherland will be a panellist at the gathering, discussing Mara Ngali, Council’s partnership with Tamworth Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations (TACCO). The associated costs will come out of pre-existing funds that are specifically allocated for Councillor’s to attend relevant conferences, workshops and events.
  • Councillors reviewed the quarterly budget statements to December 2025, noting council is for the current financial year in a sound financial position. The Council report urged Councillors to pay close attention to medium and long term financial plans to ensure future financial stability, asset management and a buffer for unplanned expenditure and timing of income. 
 

For more information, see the full reports at www.tamworth.nsw.gov.au/business-papers