TRC Meeting 14th April 26 outcomes

Here is an overview of outcomes from Tamworth Regional Council’s Ordinary Meeting on 14 April 2026.

 Councillors tonight adopted the Tamworth Regional Structure Plans after the report was deferred at the Council Meeting of 16 December 2025, to allow for further consideration of two of the three precincts. The Structure Plans for the Southern Gateway Activation Precinct, Kootingal Residential Growth Precinct and Tamworth Sports and Entertainment Precinct provide a high-level framework for development, housing, transport and open space in three key precincts to accommodate population growth, facilitate infrastructure delivery, and enhance liveability. Council will now forward the adopted Tamworth Regional Structure Plans to the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure requesting endorsement.

Council have tonight approved a request to apply for an increase in the maximum annual tonnage of waste that can be landfilled at the Forest Road Waste Management Facility under our current EPA license from 60,00 tonnes to 90,000 tonnes per year. This figure does not include material presented at the facility which is suitable for recycling. Since amalgamation Council has been slowly replacing landfills across the Council area with small vehicle transfer stations. Waste delivered to these transfer stations is transported to Forest Road for disposal.  This, together with population growth across the LGA indicates, based on current waste  projections and historical data, the existing limit of 60,000 Tonnes may be exceeded in the short term. Should the increase in landfill limit be approved by the EPA then it is  expected it will take a further 17 years to reach the new limit at current rates of growth.

The draft Tamworth Central Sports Fields Masterplan has been approved to go on public exhibition by Council. The draft masterplan has been developed to provide a clear, coordinated, and future focused vision for the Tamworth Central Sports Fields precinct and will work as a critical planning and funding tool for Council. The plan has been informed by targeted consultation with the peak sporting organisations that currently utilise the precinct. A Have Your Say page will now be created on the Tamworth Regional Council website where members of the community can leave their feedback.

Tonight, Council approved the request of $20,000 in sponsorship to support the hosting of the New South Wales Rugby League (NSWRL) Regional Magic Round 2026. The three-day event will bring together local and professional teams, fans, and the community for a series of competitive matches and engagement activities. Council also approved the request of $25,000 in sponsorship to support the 2027 Hockey Australia National Country Championships. Should Tamworth Regional Council be successful in hosting this event, it would welcome around 12 teams, with more than 300 players, coaches, and officials, as well as their supporters to the region. Sponsorship support for both events will be funded through the General Fund.

Councillors considered and approved a proposal to relocate the majority of indoor Council staff that used to work in Ray Walsh House into a single large premises. The medium-term decision is necessary as Council cannot afford to refurbish Ray Walsh House or build a new administrative office without significant time to establish a financial reserve. Councillors agreed to lease a Tamworth premises, and Council staff are expected to move to the new space by early 2027.

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