Council meeting update - 27 September 2022

Tuesday 27 September, 2022

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

Ø   Councillors have agreed to take the steps required to ensure the protection of a building in Tamworth’s CBD which is 124 years old and has considerable historical and social significance. Councillors supported a recommendation for No. 4 Darling Street, Tamworth, to be listed as an item of local Heritage Significance on the Heritage Schedule (Schedule 5) of the Tamworth Regional Local Environment Plan 2010. The issue of protecting the property was initially raised with Council by concerned members of the community.

Ø  There will be more accommodation in Tamworth for those experiencing homelessness after Councillors approved a Development Application tonight for a change of use from a motel to a transitional group home on Goonoo Goonoo Road, South Tamworth. The primary purpose of the Development Application is to provide temporary crisis accommodation, particularly for those experiencing homelessness. The proposal also includes minor alterations and additions to the premises. A report to the meeting said the proposed development meets all planning requirements. The Development Application was referred to Council for determination after a number of people expressed opposition to the proposal during the public consultation period.

Ø  A total of $50,076 will be shared among 19 property owners across the region this financial year through the Tamworth Regional Council Heritage Assistance Fund. Councillors endorsed the Tamworth Regional Council Heritage Working Group’s recommendations for the allocation of the funding. A total of 33 applications were received between 5 July and 30 August 2022 with a diverse range of projects from repairs and maintenance to existing residential properties, churches, halls and hotels.

Ø  Council has taken its first steps towards reducing the effect of urban heat islands in Tamworth in adopting the Tamworth Urban Heat Island Report. Council recently commissioned a study to understand the location and severity of urban heat islands. Heat islands expose people to much greater temperatures, which creates health and productivity risks for the community, economy and environment. This report addresses heat islands within the urban core of Tamworth and provides a robust knowledge base for funding opportunities that address improved liveability for the community. The report made 10 cooling recommendations to mitigate urban heat, examples of these include increased tree canopy cover, lighter roof and pavement colours. Council considered the alignment of this report with Blueprint 100 and acknowledged that the report will enable Council to seek grant funding opportunities for a range of liveability initiatives and infrastructure improvements in relation to the recommended cooling mechanisms.

Ø  Community members will have the chance to give feedback on whether the Draft Environmental Sustainability Strategy and Action Plan 2022-2026 adequately addresses local concerns after Councillors agreed to put the document on public exhibition. The plan was prepared through extensive community consultation using data from internal and external surveys, interviews and workshops to develop the themes, targets, objectives and actions. The eight key themes identified through the external engagement include water, waste, energy, circular economy, natural environment, transportation and mobility, sustainable governance and climate change mitigation and adaption. If the draft is adopted following public exhibition, Council’s sustainability team will work closely with stakeholders across all internal directorates to integrate sustainability across the organisation as well as the Local Government Area in way that successfully addresses the communities’ priorities and challenges, whilst complying with legislative requirements. The draft Tamworth Regional Council Environmental Sustainability Strategy is on public exhibition until Wednesday 26 October, 2022. To see a copy of the document and to provide feedback, go to https://haveyoursay.tamworth.nsw.gov.au/sustainability-strategy

Ø  Councillors tonight endorsed a Mayoral Minute to sign a Memorandum of Understanding and work collaboratively with the Tamworth Local Aboriginal Lands Council, Crown Lands, and Land and Housing Corporation NSW to explore suitable options for additional housing supply in Tamworth. Over recent months Council has been working closely with representatives of Crown Lands to identify suitable parcels of land in and around Tamworth that could be developed to assist with additional housing supply for the region.

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