TRC meeting report from 14th October 2025

Here is an overview of outcomes from the Ordinary Meeting of Tamworth Regional Council held on 14 October, 2025:

• Councillors discussed a Notice of Motion from Cr Stephen Mears requesting Council undertake community consultation to gauge residents’ preferences regarding the method of electing the Mayor. The motion proposed a survey, broad community engagement, and detailed reporting of community sentiment on the issue. If the survey preference were to support a popularly elected Mayor, Council would then consider moving to a statutory process under the Local Government Act 1993 to change the method, which would require a constitutional referendum. The motion was not supported, with a division recorded 3 for, and 6 against.
• Councillors agreed to donate $1,500 from the General Fund to support the Tamworth Legacy Veterans and Families Day to be held at Magpies Rugby Union Park this Saturday, 18 October 2025. Funds will assist in covering some events costs including the hire of coffee vendor and purchasing sensory based toys, as well as games and food for children on the day. The event will mark the start of Tamworth V Week which will culminate with the NSW RSL State Congress to be held in Tamworth over 24 – 26 October.
• Councillors tonight endorsed the creation of an electrical easement within Crown land at Victoria Park to allow overhead low-voltage powerlines along Scenic Road to be relocated underground as part of the Tamworth Regional Skywalk project. The General Manager has been authorised to act as the Crown Land Manager, to approve the easement following a 28-day native title notification period. The works will be funded from the existing Skywalk project budget.
• A report on the Environmental Sustainability Strategy 2022-2026 was noted by Councillors before work commences on developing the next strategy. The Action Plan for the current strategy contained 243 actions; 103 have been completed, with an additional 99 actions continuing to be implemented during 2025-26. With operational and resourcing changes across the strategy lifespan, 15 actions are on hold, with 26 not started or overdue.
• Councillors agreed to nominate Cr Sharpham and Cr North to attend the 2025 National Roads, Transport and Infrastructure Congress in Bendigo Victoria on 11-12 November. This year’s Congress will focus on the critical role local roads and infrastructure play in strengthening communities, enabling freight and supply chains and supporting Australia’s economic growth. The cost of the Conference will come out of the $45,500 annual allocation for Councillor attendance at Local Government sector conferences, workshops, industry working parties and community non-Council functions and events.
• Councillors have agreed to endorse the Tamworth Regional Council Draft Graffiti Management Plan 2025 – 2030 for the purposes of public exhibition for a period of 28 days. The intent of the Plan is to provide a roadmap, outlining Council’s goals and demonstrating the measures Council will implement to manage graffiti vandalism across the Tamworth Region. Following the public exhibition period, community feedback will be considered and any amendments to the Draft Plan will be made prior to adoption.
• Councillors were tonight in agreement to progress plans to establish a dedicated Youth Diversionary Program facility in the Tamworth region, aimed at providing alternative pathways for disadvantaged and disengaged young people.
• Subject to securing funding, Council will purchase a 40-hectare property in Bective, to repurpose into a youth-focused training and rehabilitation centre, co-located with Council’s planned Companion Animal Centre and rehoming facility. The model will draw on the success of a similar program operating in Armidale, which combines animal care and vocational training to build skills, confidence and employment opportunities for youth. Council will now commit $100,000 to develop a preliminary design as well as pursuing external funding from State and Federal Governments, and exploring governance options for the future operation of the facility, including the formation of a voluntary Board of Directors.

For more information, see the full reports at www.tamworth.nsw.gov.au/business-papers