Council Meeting Update - 6 June 2023

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

As part of the work underway to ready our region for the next drought, councillors at tonight’s meeting have endorsed the Draft Revised Drought Management Plan 2023 and Draft Revised Demand Management Plan 2023 for public exhibition. The Draft Revised Drought Management Plan 2023, ensures a structured and transparent approach is taken to manage drought impacts on Council’s water supply systems. This includes water restrictions and signage, system operating rules for new infrastructure such as the new Chaffey Pipeline, and an approach to investigate long-term water security options. The Draft Revised Demand Management Plan helps maintain a downwards trend in water consumption. Despite population growth, residents across the Tamworth region have reduced their overall water consumption and this plan recognises and formalises the strategies that have contributed to that reduction. The 2023 review of the plan includes changing the term for permanent water restrictions from “Permanent Water Conservation Measures” to “Everyday Waterwise Guidelines” which recognises a common-sense approach to water usage. Also included in the plan are community awareness programs, water rebates, water efficiency assessments, water loss management tools such as smart water meters, and continuing to investigate opportunities for water. Both plans will be placed on public exhibition for 28 days from June 19 to allow the community to give Council formal feedback.

Council approved an easement within the Riverside Sporting Complex to allow for the installation of lighting on Riverside 3 oval on Carter Street. The sports field lighting is being funded by a $400,000 grant from the NSW Government’s Regional Sport Facility Fund 2020/2021. As part of the project, four 30m tall light towers will be installed on the field and each tower will have five LED lights. The project is hoped to increase the utilisation of the field throughout the year, and will also provide a lit space for community events.

Council agreed to support the 2023 Tamworth NAIDOC Debutante Ball. The organising committee submitted a fee waiver request for the use of Tamworth Regional Entertainment and Conference Centre for the July 8 event. This is the second time the event is being held and is expected to attract more than 600 guests as young, local Aboriginal men and women mark their coming of age, and make their debut to the Tamworth community.

To meet its duty of care to staff and the community, Council has approved a Draft Banning Notice Policy. In the past, where Council has had to ban members of the public from entering Council facilities or contacting Council it has been done on an ad hoc basis. This policy provides a more consistent and informed approach to ensure Council remains a safe place for its staff and the community. The policy will need to be placed on public exhibition for 28 days for community feedback before being formally adopted at a future Council meeting.