Council Meeting Summary – 14 July 2026
Overview
Tamworth Regional Council's 14 July 2026 Ordinary Meeting includes several significant financial, governance and infrastructure matters. Councillors will consider the draft Long Term Financial Plan, updates on major regional projects, the potential sale of Council assets, and two confidential reports involving major contracts and economic development.
Several items have long-term implications for Council finances, public assets and regional planning.
Key Themes
Here are some of the key items on the agenda:
- Long Term Financial Planning and financial sustainability
- Council-owned assets and property management
- Regional infrastructure and economic development
- Renewable Energy Zone planning
- Governance and transparency
- Major contracts and commercial decisions (Closed Council)
Key Issues
The following items are the most relevant to residents and ratepayers based on their potential impact on the community.
MAJOR CONTRACTS
- Council Winning and Crushing Operations Tender (Closed Council)
- Baiada Processing Facility (Closed Council)
FINANCIAL PLANNING
- Exhibition of Long Term Financial Plan
COUNCIL ASSETS & PROPERTY
- Potential Sale of Former Kootingal Groundwater Wells
REGIONAL INFRASTRUCTURE
- New England Renewable Energy Zone Transmission Lines
GOVERNANCE & TRANSPARENCY
- Changes to NSW Local Government Meeting Regulations
Council Winning and Crushing Operations Contract (Closed Council)
What Council is considering
Council will determine the successful tender for its winning and crushing operations.
What stage it is at
Closed Council.
Key points
- Relates to Council quarry operations.
- Involves a significant operational contract.
- Details remain confidential while Council considers the tender.
Key Figures
Not applicable.
What this means for residents
This contract supports the supply of road construction and maintenance materials used across the region. Tender evaluations are considered confidential until Council has made its decision.
Closed Council Note
Council has classified this item as confidential because it involves a tender process. Detailed contract information and tender submissions are not publicly available prior to Council making a decision.
Baiada New Processing Facility Update (Closed Council)
What Council is considering
Council will receive a confidential update on progress towards Baiada's proposed new processing facility and consider several key decisions.
What stage it is at
Closed Council.
Key points
- Includes progress on the project and proposed next steps.
- Covers infrastructure and commercial matters.
- Some information remains confidential due to commercial considerations.
What this means for residents
The project has the potential to influence local employment, infrastructure and future Council investment. As the report is being considered in Closed Council, only Council's final resolutions will be made public where appropriate.
Closed Council Note
Council has classified this item as confidential because it involves a tender process. Detailed contract information and tender submissions are not publicly available prior to Council making a decision.
Exhibition of the Long Term Financial Plan
What Council is considering
Council is being asked to place its updated Long Term Financial Plan on public exhibition.
What stage it is at
Open Council Report.
Key points
- Sets Council's financial direction for the coming decade.
- Will guide future budgeting, infrastructure investment and financial sustainability.
- Community submissions will be invited during the exhibition period.
Key Figures
The draft Long Term Financial Plan covers Council's financial outlook over the next ten years.
What this means for residents
The Long Term Financial Plan influences how Council manages public money and plans for future services and infrastructure.
The Long Term Financial Plan will guide future spending priorities, infrastructure investment and Council's financial sustainability. Residents will have the opportunity to review the draft and provide feedback before it is adopted.
New England Renewable Energy Zone Transmission Lines
What Council is considering
Council will receive an update on the proposed transmission corridor and its impact on Council-owned land.
What stage it is at
Open Council Report.
Key points
- Reviews the refined transmission corridor.
- Identifies Council-owned land affected near Dungowan Dam.
- Includes updated mapping and EnergyCo information.
What this means for residents
The Renewable Energy Zone continues to affect land use and infrastructure planning across the region. The report provides the latest information on how Council-owned land may be impacted as planning progresses.
Potential Sale of Former Kootingal Groundwater Supply Wells
What Council is considering
Council is considering the potential sale of former groundwater supply wells that are no longer required.
What stage it is at
Open Council Report.
Key points
- The bores were decommissioned after Kootingal was connected to Tamworth's water supply.
- Council proposes negotiating with adjoining landowners.
- The report concerns disposal of surplus Council assets.
Key Figures
No direct financial implications have been identified.
What this means for residents
The proposal relates to the management of public assets that are no longer needed for Council operations. Any sale would form part of Council's ongoing asset management responsibilities.
Changes to NSW Local Government Meeting Regulations
What Council is considering
The Mayor is asking Council to oppose recent changes to NSW regulations governing meetings between councillors and Council staff.
What stage it is at
Mayoral Minute.
Key points
- New regulations restrict councillor briefings before Council meetings.
- Council is proposed to write to the Premier expressing its concerns.
- A motion is also proposed for the Local Government NSW Annual Conference.
What this means for residents
The changes affect how councillors receive information before making decisions at Council meetings. Council believes the new requirements may reduce the efficiency of decision-making and is seeking changes through the NSW Government and Local Government NSW.
Source Documents
Tamworth Regional Council
Ordinary Council Meeting – 14 July 2026
https://www.tamworth.nsw.gov.au/about/the-council/council-meetings/business-papers-and-minutes