Tamworth Regional Council has wrapped up its final Ordinary Meeting for 2025, making a series of decisions that set the groundwork for future planning, infrastructure, and community engagement across the region.
Several major reports were deferred until the new year, including the Draft Tamworth Region Structure Plans and a report into the potential sale of the Mechanics Institute on Brisbane Street. Councillors agreed more information was needed before making decisions on these matters, which will return to Council in 2026.
A key outcome of the meeting was the adoption of the Draft Tamworth Regional Lands Strategy 2025. The strategy provides a long-term vision for rural lands across the Local Government Area, identifying eight focus areas and 28 actions to guide land use planning. The strategy aims to support local producers and industries while ensuring rural lands remain productive and diverse into the future.
Councillors also approved several recommendations from the Tamworth Local Transport Forum, including a period of free parking in the CBD during January. Parking will be free from 7am on Tuesday 13 January until 8.30am on Wednesday 28 January. While parking meters will remain in place, they will indicate no payment is required, and EasyPark will operate the same way. Other parking regulations, such as time limits and loading zones, will continue to be enforced. Council also approved the temporary closure of Peel Street between Brisbane and Bourke streets during part of the 2026 Toyota Tamworth Country Music Festival.
Commercial Developer Charges were also considered, following public exhibition and a peer review. Despite all submissions opposing the proposed change, Councillors resolved to adopt Option 3, which will see all non-residential developments across Tamworth pay the same unit rate for additional demand on Council’s water and wastewater systems. As a result, existing water and sewer customers will subsidise the funding shortfall created by the change.
Community representation was strengthened with the appointment of 29 residents to the newly established Tamworth Regional Precinct Advisory Committees. Two Councillors were also appointed to each committee. Council noted a further Expression of Interest process will be undertaken in early 2026 to encourage greater participation from under-represented areas, with a particular focus on youth representatives.
Financial matters were also addressed, with Councillors approving budget variation reports for October and November. These included an almost $20,000 increase in lease income at the International Flight Training Tamworth facility, grant funding for Sports Dome lighting and fans, and $50,000 for storm clean-up costs expected to be reimbursed by the Federal Government. Councillors also noted the Council’s investment portfolio performed above the industry average in November.
Council resolved to appoint agents for the sale of two Council-owned parcels of land at New Winton Road, Westdale, with proceeds to be used to reduce Council loans. In addition, Councillors approved Council’s 2026/27 contribution to the Central Northern Regional Library, supporting ongoing strong service delivery and digital initiatives.
Rounding out the meeting, Councillors agreed to continue sponsoring the National Cutting Horse Association Futurity event for the next three years, recognising its significant economic benefit to the Tamworth region.
The next meeting is expected to be held on 10 February 2026.
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