Have your say on draft Annual Operational Plan

The draft 2019/20 Annual Operational Plan (AOP) that sets out Council’s strategic goals and budget for the next twelve months will be placed on public exhibition tomorrow following the adoption of the plan at this evening’s Ordinary Council Meeting. 

The plan which is annually prepared as part of the Integrated Planning and Reporting Framework requirements is reflective of the 10-year Community Strategic Plan and the four-year Delivery Program that Council already has in place.

Tamworth Region Acting Mayor, Phil Betts, explained that in developing the AOP, Council has considered feedback provided by the community through the series of community consultation sessions conducted in November 2018.  

“We asked the community areas that they would like to see considered over the next financial year, and we are confident that the draft AOP covers ways and means to make it possible and reasonable to achieve these, with the betterment of the region as the overarching goal,” he said.   

The high priority areas identified in the plan include roads and bridges; transport and parking; footpaths and cycleways; waste and water services; sports and recreation; parks and playgrounds which all align with the Community Strategic Plan. 

The AOP will be on exhibition and open for feedback for the next 28 days and Cr. Betts is encouraging anyone with constructive feedback to share it with Council.

“We are constantly looking at ways to achieve Council’s vision to be a region of opportunity and prosperity, a place to call home.

“The draft AOP highlights the funds allocated across a wide array of priority areas with the consideration of larger-scale projects such as the second stage of the Northern Inland Centre of Sporting Excellence precinct and the proposed Manilla Low-Level Bridge. It also investigates water security measures and implementations and more. So, we are very keen for the community to review and provide feedback on our plans,” said Cr Betts. 

Following the completion of the exhibition period, a further report will be presented to Council outlining submissions and recommendations received and required for response.  This will provide the Council opportunity to consider community feedback before the adoption of the final AOP.

To view the Draft Annual Operational Plan for 2019/20 visit www.tamworth.nsw.gov.au and click on the Have Your Say tile.