TRC Meeting 10th March 2026

Here is an overview of outcomes from the Ordinary Meeting of Tamworth Regional Council held on 10^th March 2026.

• A Notice of Motion from Councillor Brooke was moved acknowledging the social and affordable housing issues Nationwide and in the Tamworth region. Councillors recognised the commendable work already being conducted by Tamworth Regional Council in line with Priority 3 of the Tamworth Regional Housing Strategy and called for an essential workshop on the current issues so further options and actions can be identified.
• Councillors tonight resolved to reverse an earlier decision to refuse a Subdivision Development Application for Mayne Drive, Westdale, after the applicant addressed previous concerns relating to legal vehicular access. The application was approved subject to revised conditions permitting an onsite sewer option.
• Councillors resolved to request the NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure to amend the Tamworth Regional Local Environmental Plan 2010 (TRLEP 2010) to correct a mapping error in the NSW Planning Portal Digital Environmental Planning Instrument Viewer. The mapping error relates to the layer which identifies the lands where secondary dwellings are permissible with consent. The amendment is administrative only and ensures the digital mapping aligns with the provisions of the TRLEP 2010, with no changes to boundaries or planning provisions.  
• Councillors supported a request to vary the regulation under Section 82 of the Local Government Act to allow a Manufactured Homes Estate comprising 218 dwellings along Browns Lane to be constructed on-site, as opposed to off-site otherwise required by the Act. The variation will also require concurrence from the Departmental Chief Executive under the Local Government Act before works can commence.
•   Council has agreed to adopt the updated guide titled the Open Space Management Guide, February 2026. The Open Space Management Guide (OSMG), originally adopted in 2020, is a strategic document designed to steer the distribution, embellishment and level of service of all open space owned or managed by Tamworth Regional Council and set designed conditions for new developments. The OSMG was updated in late 2025 to ensure its alignment with evolving community expectations and Council’s operational capabilities. 
•  As the Barraba Rugby League Football Club prepare to return to the field of play in the Group 19 competition for 2026, Council has given approval for staff to negotiate a three-year licence agreement between Council and the club for the Barraba Recreation Ground.
•  The Tamworth Youth Centre (The Youthie) will soon welcome a new service provider after Councillors endorsed a proposal for more services to run at the centre. The Birrelee Multifunctional Aboriginal Children’s Service will offer programs including structured activities, early intervention and community-led youth development for local young people working alongside families and Elders at The Youthie. Councillors welcomed Birrelee’s vision, noting the alignment with the Tamworth Youth Strategy.
•  To support biosecurity best practice in our community, Councillors agreed to increase the operational budget for Council’s biosecurity unit. An additional $149,000 from the General Fund will enable a more proactive, cross-directorate approach ensuring Council can meet its responsibilities under the NSW Biosecurity Act 2015.
•  Councillors tonight received and noted the Tamworth Youth Strategy – Progress Report. The report is an opportunity to highlight key achievements and partnerships to date. Councillors commended the Tamworth Regional Youth Council as they played a significant leadership role in influencing Council policy and future direction, delivering five major events in 2025 as well as the opportunity to meet with Advocate for Children and Young People, Zoe Robinson.

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