Council Meeting Summary – 28 April 2026
Overview
Tamworth Regional Council will consider a range of important issues this week, including water pricing, major infrastructure projects, and long-term planning across the region.
Water costs and future drought planning are key themes across multiple reports.
Some matters will be discussed in Closed Council, meaning full details are not publicly available.
Our goal is to provide a clear, plain English summary so residents and ratepayers can better understand what’s happening and why it matters.
Key Themes
Here are some of the key items on the agenda:
- Water is the dominant issue across multiple agenda items
- Increasing cost pressures, particularly in water pricing
- Several long-term strategic and infrastructure decisions
- Limited visibility on some matters due to Closed Council
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)
Several items were considered in Closed Council, including property, contract, and infrastructure matters where details are limited.
- Outside of School Hours Care licence (community services)
- Acquisition of sewerage easement (infrastructure)
Outside of School Hours Care Licence (Closed Council)
What Council is considering
A licence arrangement relating to Outside of School Hours Care services at Tamworth Public School.
What stage it is at
Details are limited due to the confidential nature of the report.
Key points
- Relates to use of Council or associated facilities for school-based care services
- Supports delivery of before and after school care programs
- Considered in Closed Council due to contractual or operational sensitivities
What this means for residents
This relates to community and family support services. While details are not public, decisions like this help enable access to childcare services for local families.
Acquisition of Sewerage Easement (Closed Council)
What Council is considering
The proposed acquisition of a sewerage easement over private land.
What stage it is at
Closed Council decision-making due to property and legal considerations.
Key points
- Required to support or protect sewer infrastructure
- Involves land access or rights over privately owned property
- Typically part of broader infrastructure planning or upgrades
What this means for residents
Easements are a normal part of maintaining and expanding essential infrastructure. While details are confidential, decisions like this help ensure reliable sewer services for the community.
IPART Bulk Water Pricing Determination (Item 7.2)
What Council is considering
Lodging a submission to IPART regarding proposed increases to bulk water pricing through to 2028–2029.
What stage it is at
Council decision to endorse and submit its response.
Key points
- Proposed increases of around 35% over three years
- Peel Valley water remains significantly more expensive than other regions
- Council is advocating for pricing reform
- Concerns about impacts on agriculture and regional communities
Key Figures
Increase from approximately $1.58M to $2.14M
What this means for residents
These increases are likely to flow through to Council costs and, over time, may impact rates and the cost of services, as well as local businesses.
Dungowan Pumped Hydro Project – Data Sharing (Item 7.1)
What Council is considering
Providing dam safety data to EDF for the proposed pumped hydro project.
What stage it is at
Decision on entering into a data-sharing arrangement.
Key points
- Proposed 300MW pumped hydro project near Dungowan
- Council previously funded dam safety studies (~$50K)
- Recommendation is mutual data sharing
- Project will be determined at a State level
What this means for residents
This is a major long-term infrastructure project that may impact water systems, land use, and the environment.
Industrial Hard Plastics Project (Item 7.4)
What Council is considering
Funding and project update for a proposed industrial facility.
What stage it is at
Ongoing project development.
Key points
- Proposed development at Bandaar Drive
- Site and building plans included
- Early-stage project
What this means for residents
Potential economic benefits, but also environmental and planning considerations.
Murray Darling Basin Plan Review (Item 7.5)
What Council is considering
Council’s submission on the Basin Plan Review.
What stage it is at
Policy position and submission.
Key points
- Review of long-term water management
- Impacts water allocation and regulation
What this means for residents
Decisions will affect long-term water security and regional industries.
Drought Management Plan Implementation (Item 7.6)
What Council is considering
Implementation of drought management strategies.
What stage it is at
Ongoing implementation.
Key points
- Focus on preparedness and response
- Linked to broader water planning
What this means for residents
Important for understanding how water restrictions may be applied in future drought conditions.
Source
Tamworth Regional Council
Ordinary Council Meeting – 28 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