Council meeting update - 24 September, 2019

Tuesday 24 September, 2019 Here is an overview of outcomes from tonight’s Ordinary Meeting of Tamworth Regional Council: Cr Phil Betts was returned unopposed as Deputy Mayor of Tamworth Regional Council. “I appreciate the show of support from my fellow councillors and look forward to another 12 months working for our great community.” Councillors tonight decided not to pursue the option of direct or indirect potable water reuse - for the time being. However, they agreed to consider it in the future if there are some technological changes which could reduce the issues currently identified with the process. In addition to the high cost of treatment technologies, the report considered by councillors raised questions about the level of community acceptance of direct potable reuse. Councillors reaffirmed their commitment to pursuing the four preferred options identified in 2015 as part of the Tamworth Bulk Water Supply Long Term Augmentation Options Review. These are: transferring water from Keepit Dam using a 62km pipeline, upgrading Dungowan Dam from 6 Gigalitres to between 20-25 Gigalitres; a 10-15 Gigalitre off-river storage upstream of Tamworth; and, accessing more ground 9bore) water through further use of Peel River Drift Wells and additional bore field to be developed 26km downstream of Tamworth.  A development application for the demolition of an existing dwelling and the construction of a new dwelling at Hanging Rock was refused. The reasons given for the decision include the application failing to meet the requirements of a number of planning policies and guidelines. Some councillors expressed concerns that information provided as part of the application was inadequate. They listened to a number of community members who spoke both in support and in opposition to the proposed development. However councillors ultimately agreed it was not in the public interest to approve the development. Tamworth Regional Gallery art works will go on tour after Councillors decided to loan items from its permanent collection. The View from 1919, an exhibition which was created to mark the gallery’s 100th year, will go on tour to Moree’s Bank Art Museum from 1 October to 3 December this year followed by an exhibition at the New England Regional Art Museum in early 2020. The tour of the milestone exhibition seeks to promote the gallery to a wider audience and provide access to arts in other regional centres. Councillors supported a recommendation to allocate $20,000 to ensure the former Crown Lands Building is suitable for use by volunteer community groups. The funds will be used to buy 15 portable testle tables and 40 matching chairs, install WiFi, install signage and upgrade internal door hardware. The upgrade will ensure the building will meet the requirements of community groups who have submitted expressions of interest to use the Fitzroy Street building. Councillors agreed the money represented a good investment in both a significant heritage building and the valuable work of local volunteers. 

For more information, see the full reports on council's website. Watch the Deputy Mayor’s video report here.