New Precinct Committees seek community input

Tamworth Regional Council is inviting residents from the region’s towns, villages, and surrounding areas to put their hand up to represent their community as a member of one of the newly established Tamworth Regional Precinct Advisory Committees.

There will be four committees, representing Barraba, Manilla, Kootingal/Moonbi/Bendemeer, and Nundle/Dungowan.

The committees will aim to strengthen Council’s connection with local communities by creating new avenues of communication. They will provide direct access to Council decision makers, allowing the committees to have input on planning for the future.

They will also play an important role in building stronger and more resilient towns and villages, enhancing the volunteer experience, creating more opportunities for community involvement in local and regional issues, and easing governance responsibilities for individual committee members.

The committees will not be dealing with everyday operational matters; instead, they will have a strong focus on strategic forward planning for the areas that they cover.

Each committee will include two councillors, up to eight community members, two youth members, one place manager, and the option of a volunteer services officer. Community members will be appointed for a two-year term.

Tamworth Region Mayor Russell Webb said the initiative provides a significant opportunity for smaller communities to have their voices heard on issues relating to the long-term vision for regional communities.

“We know how important it is for our towns and villages to feel connected to Council and confident that their local priorities are understood. These committees will provide a grassroots, direct channel for residents to share their perspectives and help shape the future of their communities,” he said.

Expressions of interest are open until Tuesday, 21 October via Council’s website. Community representatives are encouraged to apply if they:

• Have strong links to their community and can represent it fairly and without bias.
• Are willing to consult with residents and share views on their behalf.
• Demonstrate an interest in community progress and the capacity to provide strategic advice.
• Understand the importance of the meeting process.

Once established, committee membership will be refreshed on a biennial basis, alternating with the rotation of Councillor representatives.

For more information and to submit an expression of interest, visit www.tamworth.nsw.gov.au/about/forms/tamworth-regional-precinct-advisory-committees-expression-of-interest.