Council Meeting Summary – 2 June 2026
Overview
Tamworth Regional Council’s June Ordinary Meeting includes several significant matters involving water security, Council-owned assets, major residential development, developer contributions, borrowing, financial management and the future direction of Tamworth’s night-time economy. Key items include a rescission motion relating to a Council property lease, Council’s position on the proposed Dungowan Dam pumped hydro project, major planning proposals and several financial decisions with long-term implications for the region.
Key Themes
Here are some of the key items on the agenda:
- Water security and regional infrastructure
- Financial management and borrowing
- Growth, development and developer contributions
- Council-owned assets and lease arrangements
- Housing and urban expansion
- Entertainment, tourism and the night-time economy
- Transparency and Closed Council matters
Key Issues
The following items are the most relevant to residents and ratepayers based on their potential impact on the community.
GOVERNANCE & CLOSED COUNCIL
- Proposed Lease of 7–11A Anne Street, South Tamworth
- Closed Council and Confidential Matters
- Questions With Notice – Developer Charges (Option 3)
WATER & INFRASTRUCTURE
- Dungowan Dam Pumped Hydro Project
Flynn Street Depot Asset Transfer
FINANCIAL PLANNING & COUNCIL SERVICES
- Quarterly Budget Review Statement
- Annual Budget Variations
- Refinancing of Commonwealth Bank Loan
PLANNING & COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
- Stratheden Estate Development Controls
- Special Entertainment Precincts
- Night Time Economy Strategy 2026–2031
Proposed Lease of 7–11A Anne Street, South Tamworth (Closed Council)
What Council is considering
A rescission motion lodged by Mayor Russell Webb seeking to overturn a Council decision made on 12 May 2026 regarding the proposed lease of 7–11A Anne Street.
What stage it is at
Council previously voted to defer the proposal and seek further negotiations. Councillors are now being asked to reconsider that decision.
Key points
- Council previously voted to defer the lease proposal.
- The Mayor has lodged a rescission motion.
- If successful, Council would proceed with the original recommendation.
- The matter involves a Council-owned asset and commercial lease arrangements.
Key Figures
Commercial details have not been publicly disclosed.
What this means for residents
The outcome may affect future use of a Council-owned facility and has broader implications for Council's management of community assets.
Closed Council Note
The business papers state that the matter was previously considered in Closed Council and that detailed discussion should again occur in Closed Council due to commercial-in-confidence arrangements.
Dungowan Dam Pumped Hydro Project
What Council is considering
A Notice of Motion regarding the proposed EDF pumped hydro project and the use of water from Dungowan Dam.
What stage it is at
Notice of Motion before Council.
Key points
- Focuses on regional water security.
- Questions whether Council has formally endorsed the proposal.
- Raises concerns regarding future water availability.
- Seeks clarification of Council's position.
Key Figures
Dungowan Dam capacity: approximately 6.2GL.
What this means for residents
Water security remains a critical issue for the region and this motion could shape Council's future approach to major energy projects.
Questions With Notice – Developer Charges (Option 3)
What Council is considering
Questions regarding Council's previous decision to adopt Option 3 developer servicing charges for Hills Plain and Arcadia.
What stage it is at
Questions and staff responses have been provided for Council's information.
Key points
- Staff confirm some developer contributions will be lower under Option 3.
- Questions focus on infrastructure funding and financial sustainability.
- Staff advise any future shortfall may require increased charges, use of reserves or delayed works.
- No long-term cumulative impact assessment was undertaken.
Key Figures
No specific financial impact has been identified.
What this means for residents
The issue centres on who pays for growth-related infrastructure and whether future costs could ultimately affect water and wastewater customers.
Note substantial difference between calculated developer charges and the proposed developer charges at 8.5 and cost estimates at 8.4 and 8.1, 8.2 in the Annexures.
Stratheden Estate Development Controls
What Council is considering
Adoption of site-specific planning controls for the Stratheden Estate residential development.
What stage it is at
Final adoption stage.
Key points
- Approximately 1,000 future homes are proposed.
- Traffic and infrastructure impacts were key issues raised during consultation.
- Future traffic assessments are proposed as development progresses.
Key Figures
Traffic reviews proposed at 200, 400, 600 and 800 lot milestones.
What this means for residents
The proposal will influence future residential growth, infrastructure demand and traffic movements in Tamworth.
Confidential Material Note
The agenda includes one confidential enclosure associated with this item.
Special Entertainment Precincts
What Council is considering
Formal establishment of Special Entertainment Precincts in the Tamworth CBD and Sports & Entertainment Precinct.
What stage it is at
Final adoption stage.
Key points
- Planning controls would be amended.
- A Precinct Management Plan would be adopted.
- Council proposes a 12-month trial.
Key Figures
Applies to both the CBD and Sports & Entertainment Precinct.
What this means for residents
The proposal may influence entertainment venues, tourism, business activity and noise management.
Confidential Material Note
The agenda includes one confidential enclosure associated with this item.
Flynn Street Depot Asset Transfer
What Council is considering
Transfer of the Flynn Street Depot from the General Asset Register to the Sewer Asset Register.
What stage it is at
Council approval required.
Key points
- Primarily used by Water and Waste operations.
- Funds would be transferred to Council reserves.
- Additional depot improvements are proposed.
Key Figures
- Transfer value: $3.995 million
- Proposed improvements: $262,500
What this means for residents
The decision affects Council asset management and future infrastructure planning.
Refinancing of Commonwealth Bank Loan
What Council is considering
Refinancing of an existing technology-related loan.
What stage it is at
Council approval required.
Key points
- Existing variable loan would be repaid.
- New fixed-term borrowing proposed.
- Supports Council's digital transformation program.
Key Figures
- Existing loan: $1.848 million
- Total borrowing package: $6.699 million
What this means for residents
The decision affects Council debt levels and funding of future technology projects.
Quarterly Budget Review Statement
What Council is considering
March 2026 Quarterly Budget Review.
What stage it is at
Financial review and reporting.
Key points
- Reviews Council's financial performance.
- Examines reserves and project expenditure.
- Identifies emerging budget pressures.
What this means for residents
Provides an important snapshot of Council's financial position and capacity to fund future services and projects.
Annual Budget Variations
What Council is considering
Adjustments to the 2025–2026 budget.
What stage it is at
Council approval required.
Key points
- Budget reallocations proposed.
- Funding adjustments for projects.
- Potential reserve transfers.
What this means for residents
Changes may affect project delivery, funding priorities and future service planning.
Night Time Economy Strategy 2026–2031
What Council is considering
Adoption of a five-year strategy to strengthen Tamworth's night-time economy.
What stage it is at
Final adoption stage.
Key points
- Supports tourism and hospitality.
- Linked to the Special Entertainment Precinct proposal.
- Developed following community consultation.
What this means for residents
May influence future events, investment and economic activity after hours.
Source
Tamworth Regional Council
Ordinary Council Meeting – 2 June 2026
https://www.tamworth.nsw.gov.au/about/the-council/council-meetings/business-papers-and-minutes