TRC Meeting 11th July 2023

Council meeting update

Here is an overview of outcomes from Tamworth Regional Council Ordinary Meeting on Tuesday 11^th July 2023:

• Councillors have agreed to seek community feedback about a proposed change to its Footpath Dining Policy which, if adopted, will remove a barrier to patrons consuming alcohol without a meal in the Tamworth CBD which has stood for 25 years. Earlier this year Council engaged with stakeholders and the community about the proposal, with the majority of feedback given indicating general support of the change. However, a report to Council also said there were some concerns raised that a return to the provision of alcohol without a meal would create an environment “not conducive for all of the community, notably young families and younger adults”. The report said the majority of potentially affected licensed venues in the CBD currently have conditions set by their liquor licences that would override Council’s Policy. Those venues wanting to make use the amended Council policy would first need a new license or a various to their existing one. Council’s revised “Use of Public Footpaths for Restaurants and Outdoor Seating Policy” will go on public exhibition to allow for further community comment. The feedback received will be included in the report to be considered by Councillors before making their final decision.   
• Councillors tonight supported a Mayoral Minute calling for Council to become a member of the Coalition of Regional Energy Mayors and they approved the payment of $5,000 as an initial contribution. Mayor Russell Webb explained in his minute that the coalition had been formed in response to the establishment of Renewable Energy Zones across NSW with multiple councils indicating there has been a lack of engagement and consultation in impacted local government areas. He said with Tamworth Region being in proximity to the New England Renewable Energy Zone, representation and participation in the coalition would give Council a proactive platform in ensuring renewable energy projects are appropriate and deliver the best outcomes for affected communities.
• Three local community committee will share in more than $18,000 under round 2 of Council’s 2022-23 Facility Improvement Fund. Attunga Public Hall and Youth Hall Committee will receive $4225 for ceiling fans installation in the public hall, Dungowan Recreation Ground Committee will receive $10,000 for improvements to the brick amenities block and Loomberah Hall Committee will receive $4,129 for footpaths. The funding program is an opportunity for committees to enhance community facilities they manage through applying for matching funding or in-kind contribution. Council awarded $31,647 in the first round of the program.   
• In a move to guide the enhancement of the key road entries to Tamworth and the region’s town and villages, the Tamworth Regional Council Entrance Strategy has been adopted. Councillors also agreed to proactively seek funding opportunities to fund the actions of the strategy. A report to council said the Entrance Strategy provides “a consistent plan” to demonstrate pride of place using signage, flora corridors and/or public art and is part of the future planning for the growth of the local region in line with the Blueprint 100 Strategy. The report said a review of existing signage revealed existing signage is “inconsistent, dated, poorly maintained and, in some cases, non-existent. A sense of arrival is not created for motorists and this is a missed opportunity to engage tourists,” the report said. The strategy sets out a plan for four types of signs: one is an entrance sign at the boundaries of the local government area with three other scales of sign based on locality.