Council Meeting Summary – 14 April 2026
Overview
Tamworth Regional Council considered a range of items including long-term planning, community assets, infrastructure, and confidential property and contract matters.
Key themes included future growth planning, the use and management of Council-owned assets, and accommodation needs for Council staff, which form part of broader discussions about Ray Walsh House.
Several items are to be considered in Closed Council, including property, contracts, and infrastructure matters.
Key Themes
• Council staff accommodation and office planning
• Long-term growth and development
• Use and future of community assets
• Infrastructure and service delivery
Key Issues
The following items are the most relevant to residents and ratepayers.
CLOSED COUNCIL (CONFIDENTIAL ITEMS)
Several items were considered in Closed Council, including property, contract, and infrastructure matters where details are limited.
- Office Accommodation for Council Staff (Closed Council)
- Powerstation Museum Engine Shed Extension (Closed Council)
- Tamworth Airport Car Park Upgrade (Closed Council)
COMMUNITY ASSETS
- Former Manilla Water Treatment Plant – Future Options (Community Asset)
- Future Use of Former Athletics Track (Community Asset)
- Bowling Club Lease Assignment (Community Asset)
PLANNING & INFRASTRUCTURE
- Adoption of Tamworth Regional Structure Plans 2026
- Tamworth Central Turf Precinct Masterplan 2026
- Forest Road Landfill Licence Amendment
Office Accommodation for Council Staff (Closed Council)
What Council is considering
A lease arrangement for office space to accommodate more than 270 Council staff.
What stage it is at
Details are limited due to the confidential nature of the report.
Key points
- Intended as a medium-term solution while long-term office options are explored
- Involves relocating staff currently spread across multiple Council-owned and leased sites
- Forms part of broader decisions about Council’s future administration accommodation, including Ray Walsh House
What this means for residents
This decision involves leasing costs and will affect how Council manages its administration buildings. It forms part of the broader question of whether to retain, redevelop, or replace existing assets such as Ray Walsh House.
Powerstation Museum Engine Shed Extension (Closed Council)
What Council is considering
The outcome of a tender for construction works at the museum.
What stage it is at
Details are limited due to the confidential nature of the report.
Key points
- Relates to expansion of an existing community and tourism facility
- Details limited due to confidentiality
- Likely involves capital expenditure
What this means for residents
This project may enhance a local cultural asset, but final costs and contract details are not yet publicly available.
Tamworth Airport Car Park Upgrade (Closed Council)
What Council is considering
A tender for upgrading the airport’s car park management system..
What stage it is at
Details are limited due to the confidential nature of the report.
Key points
- Focus on improving parking management and efficiency
- May improve parking management and revenue collection
- Details limited due to confidentiality
What this means for residents
Upgrades may improve airport access and operations. Costs and financial impacts will become clearer once decisions are finalised.
Adoption of Tamworth Regional Structure Plans 2026
What Council is considering
Adoption of long-term structure plans guiding growth across key precincts.
What stage it is at
Final adoption stage, with endorsement to be sought from the State Government.
Key points
- Covers Southern Gateway, Kootingal, and the Sports and Entertainment Precinct
- Sets direction for housing, infrastructure, transport, and open space over 20+ years
- Will inform future rezoning, development applications, and infrastructure delivery
Key Figures
$164,000 total cost (50% funded by landowners)
What this means for residentsThese plans will shape how Tamworth grows, including where housing and infrastructure are located. They do not change zoning immediately but guide future decisions that will affect development, traffic, and services.
Future Use of Former Athletics Track (Community Asset)
What Council is considering
Identifying the former athletics track as a key site for future use and development
What stage it is at
Included within the structure planning framework.
Key points
- Proposed uses include tourism accommodation, retail, and public space
- Positioned to support the broader Sports and Entertainment Precinct
- Final use will be subject to future planning and consultation
What this means for residents
This represents a potential change to a long-standing community asset. Future decisions will determine whether the site remains public space or is repurposed for commercial and tourism-related uses.
Former Manilla Water Treatment Plant – Future Options (Community Asset)
What Council is considering
Whether to retain, lease, or sell the former water treatment plant site.
What stage it is at
Under review, with previous demolition and sale plans paused.
- Key points
Site contains asbestos and ageing infrastructure - Investigations found low environmental risk but redevelopment challenges
- Leasing or alternative uses are being explored
What this means for residents
This is a Council-owned asset with potential financial implications depending on whether it is retained or sold. Future decisions will affect maintenance costs, potential revenue, and local land use.
Bowling Club Lease Assignment (Community Asset)
What Council is considering
Transfer of a lease following the amalgamation of two bowling clubs.
What stage it is at
Under consideration.
Key points
Reflects organisational changes within local clubs
Ensures continued use of a community facility
Administrative but impacts asset management
What this means for residents
This supports continuity of a local sporting facility and ensures it remains operational under new management arrangements.
Forest Road Landfill Licence Amendment
What Council is considering
Changes to the landfill’s environmental licence.
What stage it is at
Under review.
Key points
- May affect how the landfill operates
- Involves regulatory compliance requirements
- Supports ongoing waste management
What this means for residents
Licence changes may influence landfill operations and environmental management, which can affect service delivery and long-term planning.
Tamworth Central Turf Precinct Masterplan 2026
What Council is considering
A draft masterplan for the future of the turf precinct.
What stage it is at
Draft stage.
Key points
- Guides future development of a key sporting facility
- Supports long-term planning for events and usage
- Details to be refined over time
What this means for residents
This plan will influence how the facility is used and developed, including potential upgrades and community access.
Source
Tamworth Regional Council
Ordinary Council Meeting – 14 April 2026
View the full business papers on Council’s website: https://www.tamworth.nsw.gov.au/ArticleDocuments/474/Business%20Paper%20-%2014%20April%202026.pdf.aspx