TRC Meeting report for March 23

4th April 2023

Council meeting update

  • In the Mayoral Minute put forward by Tamworth Region Mayor Russell Webb, all business from the Ordinary Meeting of Council scheduled to be held on March 14 was deferred to this evening’s meeting. To facilitate the ongoing smooth delivery of works and services a number of tenders were actioned under delegation by the General Manager.
  • Councillors approved additional expenditure associated with Council’s forced relocation from Ray Walsh House. A report was considered requesting the approval of $287,407 further to the original cost estimate previously approved on 13 September 2022. September’s estimated budget for the relocation was followed closely, however at that stage the total costs for the refurbishment of 474 Peel Street was not known. The report said during the refurbishment works unplanned electrical and insulation works were required at 474 Peel Street in late October 2022. These were needed to ensure the building remained compliant with current building regulations. It was determined that as the building is Council owned, the extra costs represent a good investment as they will ensure Council is able to continue occupying or lease the building into the future.
  • Councillors noted and received an “Energy Sustainability Six Monthly Report” which is a regular report providing an update to Council on various Energy Sustainability programs, projects and activities in the current financial year. One notable initiative is the Street Lighting Upgrade. As of October 2022, an estimated 97% of streetlights had been upgraded to more energy efficient LEDs. The remaining 153 streetlights are set to be upgraded by the end of quarter 1, 2023. The estimated annual electricity savings as a result of street lighting upgrades is approximately $250,000.
  • Councillors approved the installation of a disabled car park on Marius Street, Tamworth, and line marking along Marius and Bourke Streets to create more parking opportunities and provide more inclusive access. Councillors also approved the installation of missing signs on the Rodeo Drive and Stockmans Way roundabout, Hillvue, and the Logistics Road and Country Road intersection, Westdale.
  • Councillors have agreed to approve $645,000 in additional funding to the Tamworth Global Gateway Park to complete Stage 1, demolish a farmstead dwelling on Marathon Street, design for Stage 2, and for precinct management activities in operations and maintenance for the next four years. A previously committed $1,750,000 in funding for the Jewry Street Extension was given a funding source.
  • Councillors approved a $5,000 donation to Tamworth International Eventing for the purchase of a Dressage Arena Trailer as part of the 2022/23 Annual Donations Program.
  • Councillors recognised the achievements of the 2022 Youth Council and endorsed the appointment of the incoming 2023 Tamworth Regional Youth Council members. The first meeting of the 2023 Tamworth Regional Youth Council will occur on 30 March 2023.
  • Councillors authorised four motions to be submitted on behalf of Tamworth Regional Council to the 2023 National General Assembly for Local Government. These motions relate to water security; improving regulation for recycled water as well as funding and education to support reuse of waste water; shortfalls in financial assistance to Local Government in relation to roads; the implementation of the Growing Regions Program to progress projects in the Building Better Regions Fund (BBRF); and to recognise the significant contribution made by volunteers across Australia.