TRRRA

Council Meeting Summary – 12 May 2026

Overview

Tamworth Regional Council’s meeting on 12 May 2026 includes a number of significant infrastructure, financial, environmental, and strategic planning matters affecting the broader region.

Key themes include regional water security, renewable energy developments, environmental management, and Council’s draft 2026/27 budget and fees. Several property, accommodation, and infrastructure matters will also be considered in Closed Council.

Key Themes

Here are some of the key items on the agenda:

  • Renewable energy developments and community benefit funding
  • Regional water security and infrastructure planning
  • Draft budget, fees, and long-term financial planning
  • Environmental management and river improvement projects
  • Infrastructure maintenance and remediation works
  • Property, lease, and accommodation matters in Closed Council
  • Strategic planning and regional advocacy on water issues

Key Issues

The following items are the most relevant to residents and ratepayers based on their potential impact on the community.

CLOSED COUNCIL (CONFIDENTIAL ITEMS)

  • Proposed Lease – 7–11A Anne Street, South Tamworth
  • International Flight Training Tamworth accommodation licence agreement
  • Tamworth Effluent Reuse Farm legal matter
  • Dungowan Dam Safety Review

WATER & INFRASTRUCTURE

  • New Dungowan Pipeline Easement Acquisition
  • Regional Water Network Leak Detection Program

FINANCIAL PLANNING & COUNCIL SERVICES

  • Draft Budget, Revenue Policy & Fees 2026/27

RENEWABLE ENERGY & COMMUNITY FUNDING

  • Draft Voluntary Planning Agreements – Calala Battery Energy Storage System and Thunderbolt Wind Farm

Proposed Lease of 7–11A Anne Street, South Tamworth (the old Basketball Stadium) (Closed Council)

What Council is considering
Council will consider a proposed lease arrangement relating to 7–11A Anne Street, South Tamworth.l.

What stage it is at
The matter is scheduled for consideration in Closed Council.

Key points

  • The item involves Council-related property and lease arrangements.
  • Commercial and operational considerations are involved.
  • Confidentiality provisions apply to the matter.

Key Figures
No public financial figures are included in the open agenda.

What this means for residents
Property and lease decisions may affect Council operations and use of community or commercial assets.

International Flight Training Tamworth accommodation licence agreement (Closed Council)

What Council is considering
A proposed licence agreement relating to accommodation facilities at the International Flight Training Tamworth (IFTT) precinct at Tamworth Regional Airport.

What stage it is at
The matter is being considered in Closed Council due to commercial and contractual considerations.

Key points

  • Relates to accommodation facilities connected to the flight training precinct
  • Commercial and operational details are limited due to confidentiality provisions
  • Linked to airport operations and training-related infrastructure

Key Figures
No public financial figures are included in the open agenda.

What this means for residents
The International Flight Training Tamworth facility remains an important regional aviation and economic asset. Accommodation and operational arrangements may influence the ongoing use and management of the precinct.

Tamworth Effluent Reuse Farm Legal Matter (Closed Council)

What Council is considering
A legal matter relating to operations at the Tamworth Effluent Reuse Farm.

What stage it is at
The matter is being considered in Closed Council due to legal and contractual confidentiality requirements.

Key points

  • Relates to operations at the Tamworth Effluent Reuse Farm
  • Legal proceedings or advice are associated with the matter
  • Details are limited due to the confidential nature of legal discussions

Key Figures
No public financial figures are included in the open agenda.

What this means for residents
The Effluent Reuse Farm forms part of Council’s broader water and wastewater infrastructure network. Legal matters relating to operational facilities may have financial, operational, or infrastructure implications for Council over time.

Dungowan Dam Safety Review (Closed Council)

What Council is considering
Council will consider matters relating to the Dungowan Dam Safety Review.

What stage it is at
The matter is scheduled for confidential discussion in Closed Council.

Key points

  • The item relates to dam safety obligations and infrastructure management.
  • Dungowan Dam remains a critical component of regional water infrastructure.
  • The matter may involve compliance, risk management, and future works considerations.

Key Figures
No public financial figures are included in the open agenda.

What this means for residents
Dam safety and infrastructure reliability remain important to long-term regional water security and infrastructure planning.

New Dungowan Pipeline Easement Acquisition – Deed of Variation to Memorandum of Understanding

What Council is considering
Council is considering a Deed of Variation associated with easement acquisition arrangements for the New Dungowan Pipeline project.

What stage it is at
The matter is before Council for consideration and includes confidential enclosures.

Key points

  • Easement and land agreement arrangements remain ongoing.
  • The project forms part of long-term regional water infrastructure planning.
  • The New Dungowan Pipeline remains one of Council’s largest infrastructure projects.

Key Figures
No public financial figures are included in the open REPORT.

What this means for residents
The project is closely linked to long-term water supply reliability and regional water security.

Regional Water Network Leak Detection Program

What Council is considering
Council is considering implementing a regional water network leak detection program.

What stage it is at
The proposal is being presented for Council consideration.

Key points

  • The program aims to identify and reduce water losses.
  • Improved efficiency may reduce unnecessary water wastage.
  • The initiative supports broader water sustainability planning.

Key Figures
No specific figures are listed in the agenda summary.

What this means for residents
Improving water network efficiency may help support long-term water security across the region.

Sheba Dam Spillway and Channel Remediation – Request to Lower Spoil Disposal Charges

What Council is considering
Council is considering a request to lower spoil disposal charges associated with Sheba Dam remediation works.

What stage it is at
The matter is before Council for determination.

Key points

  • The item relates to dam remediation and spoil disposal costs.
  • Financial implications may arise for both the project and Council revenue.
  • The works form part of broader infrastructure maintenance and remediation activities.

Key Figures
No specific figures are included in the open report summary.

What this means for residents
The decision may influence infrastructure remediation costs and project delivery outcomes.

Murray Darling Association Membership

What Council is considering
Council is considering its membership of the Murray Darling Association.

What stage it is at
The matter is before Council for consideration.

Key points

  • The association advocates on water and river system issues affecting local government areas.
  • Membership provides regional representation on Murray-Darling Basin matters.
  • Water policy and advocacy remain significant regional issues.

Key Figures
Membership fees are $7,350.

What this means for residents
Council participation may influence regional advocacy relating to water management and Basin policy.

Draft Operational Plan and Budget, Revenue Policy and Fees & Charges 2026/27

What Council is considering
Council is considering placing the Draft Operational Plan and Budget, Draft Statement of Revenue Policy, and Draft Fees and Charges for 2026/27 on public exhibition.

What stage it is at
Draft documents are proposed to be publicly exhibited for community feedback.

Key points

  • The documents outline proposed spending priorities and planned projects.
  • Proposed fees and charges across a wide range of Council services are included.
  • The budget and operational plan guide Council activities for the coming financial year.

Key Figures
The draft documents include proposed fees, charges, and budget allocations across multiple Council services and infrastructure areas.

What this means for residents
This process shapes Council priorities, projects, service delivery, and fees that may affect residents during 2026/27.

2026/2027 Draft Budget Review

What Council is considering
Council is considering the broader draft budget review for 2026/27.

What stage it is at
The draft budget review is before Council for consideration alongside the draft operational planning documents.

Key points

  • The review considers Council’s financial position and budget strategy.
  • Infrastructure and operational spending priorities are included.
  • Long-term financial planning considerations form part of the review.

Key Figures
Commit to identifying $3.6 million of savings

None of the savings identified in the Special rate Variation of $5.39 million Per annum and one off of $$2.8 million have been implemented.

Detailed budget figures are contained within the draft budget annexures.

What this means for residents
Budget decisions affect future projects, services, maintenance, and Council financial planning.

Draft Voluntary Planning Agreements – Calala Battery Energy Storage System and Thunderbolt Wind Farm

What Council is considering
Council is considering publicly exhibiting draft Voluntary Planning Agreements (VPAs) relating to the Calala Battery Energy Storage System and Thunderbolt Wind Farm renewable energy projects.

What stage it is at
Council is being asked to endorse public exhibition of the draft agreements for 28 days before a further report returns to Council.

Key points

  • Draft agreements include developer contributions linked to major renewable energy projects.
  • The Calala Battery Energy Storage System agreement includes infrastructure and community benefit funding.
  • At least 20% of the contribution funding is proposed to support First Nations projects.

Key Figures

  • Approximately $1.397 million in developer contributions.
  • Additional community benefit funding of $200,000 annually for three years.

What this means for residents
The agreements may provide additional funding for infrastructure and community projects associated with renewable energy developments in the region.

Source

Tamworth Regional Council
Ordinary Council Meeting – 12 May 2026

Agenda and Business Papers:
https://businesspapers.tamworth.nsw.gov.au/Open/2026/05/OC_12052026_AGN_1825_AT.PDF