Council Meeting Update - 22 October 2024

Tuesday, 22 October 2024

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

• In an effort to allow more direct and accountable communication between Councillors and residents in towns and villages outside of Tamworth, Councillors supported a Notice of Motion from Deputy Mayor Jeff Budd to form a working group that would facilitate the creation of precinct committees in Barraba, Manilla, Kootingal, Bendemeer and Nundle.
• Tonight, Councillors agreed to renew the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Council and the University of New England (UNE). The initial MoU was signed in June 2021 as an agreement to promote a climate of open exchange and cooperation in areas of mutual interest. Whilst not legally binding, the MoU will provide a solid basis that will see continued collaboration across a range of areas, such as working together on projects to fit UNE’s Future Fit Strategy and Council’s Blueprint 100 and establish English Language training for the immigrant workforce. Once signed by the Mayor, this MoU will be valid for two years.
• Councillors made the following appointments to the Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee as part of the new Council term: Mr Ron Gillard as Chair, and Dr Meredith Caelli and Mr Glenn Inglis as external independent members. Councillor Matt Sharpham was appointed as the Councillor representative to the committee for a 12-month term.
• In line with the community’s request, the proposed boundary adjustment involving the locality of Woolbrook to Walcha Council was tonight approved. The next step is to make an application to the Minister and the Governor for approval to alter the boundaries of Walcha Council and Tamworth Regional Council.
• Councillors agreed not to renew its Regional Capitals Australia membership held since 2013, delivering a saving of $10,000. The decision was made due to declining membership and a reduction in benefits received, along with the ability to achieve similar outcomes through other organisations at no additional cost.