Council Meeting Summary –16 June 2026
Overview
Tamworth Regional Council’s meeting on 16 June 2026 includes a range of governance, financial and infrastructure matters of interest to residents and ratepayers.
Key issues include two confidential matters involving a proposed land acquisition and wastewater infrastructure, legal expenditure relating to planning disputes, proposed lobbying guidelines for councillors, councillor remuneration and a major airport infrastructure project.
While not included on this agenda, Councillor Mark Rodda has advised that consideration of the future of Ray Walsh House has been deferred until the Council meeting on 30 June 2026 to allow additional time to review community submissions and questions received following the recent information session.
Key Themes
Here are some of the key items on the agenda:
- Council-owned assets and land acquisition
- Closed Council and confidential matters
- Ray Walsh House and Council accommodation planning
- Governance, transparency and accountability
- Legal expenditure and planning disputes
- Planning and development decision-making
- Councillor remuneration
- Water and wastewater infrastructure
- Airport infrastructure and strategic assets
Key Issues
The following items are the most relevant to residents and ratepayers based on their potential impact on the community.
COUNCIL ASSETS & CLOSED COUNCIL
- Proposed Purchase of Land – Expression of Interest (Closed Council)
- Westdale Wastewater Treatment Plant Biosolids Dewatering Tender (Closed Council)
COUNCIL ACCOMMODATION & COMMUNITY ASSETS
- Ray Walsh House Update (Deferred to 30 June 2026)
GOVERNANCE & TRANSPARENCY
- Questions on Notice – Legal Proceedings and Council Expenditure
- Lobbying Guidelines for Councillors
FINANCIAL PLANNING & COUNCIL SERVICES
- Councillor Annual Fees 2026/2027
INFRASTRUCTURE & STRATEGIC ASSETS
- Tamworth Regional Airport Taxiway Alpha Upgrade
Proposed Purchase of Land – Expression of Interest (Closed Council)
What Council is considering
A confidential proposal relating to the purchase of land through an Expression of Interest process.
What stage it is at
The matter is being considered in Closed Council due to commercial considerations.
Key points
- Potential acquisition of land by Council.
- Details remain confidential.
- Location and intended use have not been publicly disclosed.
- May have implications for future Council assets and strategic planning.
Key Figures
Commercial details have not been publicly disclosed.
What this means for residents
Land acquisitions can have long-term implications for Council assets, service delivery and strategic planning. Further information may become available following Council’s decision.
Closed Council Note
The business papers identify this matter as confidential due to the commercial nature of the proposed transaction. Council has not publicly disclosed the location of the land, the proposed purchase price or the intended future use of the site.
Westdale Wastewater Treatment Plant Biosolids Dewatering Tender (Closed Council)
What Council is considering
A confidential tender relating to biosolids dewatering at the Westdale Wastewater Treatment Plant.
What stage it is at
Tender evaluation and contract consideration in Closed Council.
Key points
- Relates to wastewater treatment operations.
- Involves essential Council infrastructure.
- Considered confidential due to commercial sensitivities.
- May involve long-term operational arrangements.
Key Figures
Tender values have not been publicly disclosed.
What this means for residents
Wastewater infrastructure is a critical community service. Decisions regarding major contracts can influence future operating costs, service delivery and infrastructure management.
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.
Ray Walsh House Update
What Council is considering
Ray Walsh House is not included on the 16 June 2026 agenda. Councillor Mark Rodda has publicly advised that consideration of the matter has been deferred.
What stage it is at
The matter is expected to be considered by Council on 30 June 2026 following review of submissions and questions received from the community.
Key points
- Not listed on the 16 June agenda.
- Community submissions are being reviewed.
- Public information session has already been held.
- Consideration has been deferred to 30 June 2026.
- Councillors are expected to consider the matter at the next Ordinary Council Meeting.
Key Figures
Not applicable.
What this means for residents
The future of Ray Walsh House remains one of the most significant strategic decisions currently before Council. Residents interested in the issue should monitor the 30 June Council agenda and meeting outcomes.
Questions on Notice – Legal Proceedings and Council Expenditure
What Council is considering
Questions on Notice submitted by Councillor Mark Rodda seeking detailed information regarding legal proceedings involving Goodman Stock & Station Pty Ltd and Barr Property & Planning Pty Ltd.
What stage it is at
Council has provided responses outlining legal costs, court outcomes and Council’s assessment of the value achieved through the proceedings.
Key points
- Both matters relate to planning and development disputes.
- Council successfully defended the Goodman matter.
- Council continues to pursue aspects of the Barr Property matter through appeal processes.
- Information includes legal costs, outcomes and governance considerations.
Key Figures
- Goodman matter: approximately $169,627.
- Barr Property proceedings and appeals: more than $517,000 to date.
- Combined legal expenditure exceeds $686,000.
What this means for residents
The information provides greater transparency regarding legal expenditure and Council’s approach to significant planning disputes.
Lobbying Guidelines for Councillors
What Council is considering
A draft guideline governing meetings and interactions between councillors, lobbyists and property developers.
What stage it is at
Council is considering placing the draft guideline on public exhibition before seeking community feedback and final adoption.
Key points
- Establishes expectations for interactions with lobbyists.
- Promotes transparency and accountability.
- Applies to planning and development-related discussions.
- Community consultation will occur before adoption.
Key Figures
No direct financial implications have been identified.
What this means for residents
The guideline is intended to improve public confidence in Council decision-making and increase transparency around development-related discussions.
Councillor Annual Fees 2026/2027
What Council is considering
Annual councillor remuneration for the 2026/2027 financial year.
What stage it is at
Annual councillor remuneration for the 2026/2027 financial year.
Key points
- Applies to councillor remuneration for the coming financial year.
- Based on the Tribunal’s annual review.
- Forms part of Council’s governance framework.
- Public interest is likely given current economic conditions.
Key Figures
- NSW Local Government Remuneration Tribunal increase: 3.7%.
What this means for residents
Councillor remuneration is often a matter of public interest. Council’s decision will determine the cost of elected representation for the coming financial year.
Tamworth Regional Airport Taxiway Alpha Upgrade
What Council is considering
The outcome of contract negotiations for the Taxiway Alpha Upgrade at Tamworth Regional Airport.
What stage it is at
Council is considering the negotiated contract and additional funding required to complete the project.
Key points
- Upgrade of airport taxiway infrastructure.
- Contract negotiations have been completed.
- Project costs have increased due to higher material costs.
- Additional funding is proposed from Airport Reserve funds.
Key Figures
- Original budget: approximately $421,000.
- Revised project cost: approximately $521,000.
- Additional funding requirement: approximately $100,000.
What this means for residents
The airport is an important regional asset. Infrastructure upgrades help maintain operational standards, support economic activity and ensure the airport remains capable of meeting future operational requirements.
Source
Tamworth Regional Council
Ordinary Council Meeting – 16 June 2026
https://www.tamworth.nsw.gov.au/about/the-council/council-meetings/business-papers-and-minutes