Council Meeting Summary – 30 June 2026
Overview
Tamworth Regional Council's meeting on 30 June 2026 includes several significant decisions affecting Council-owned assets, long-term planning, community facilities and Council finances.
The proposed sale of Ray Walsh House is the headline item before Council, with councillors also considering the 2026/27 Budget and Operational Plan, future water pricing, and two property matters in Closed Council.
This summary is based on the published Business Papers. Final decisions will be known after the Council meeting.
Key Themes
Here are some of the key items on the agenda:
- Future of Ray Walsh House
- Council finances and budget adoption
- Integrated Planning and Reporting documents
- Water pricing and bulk water charges
- Community assets and property management
- Transport and road safety improvements
- Regional events and community development
- Council-owned property considered in Closed Council
FUTURE OF RAY WALSH HOUSE
What Council is considering
Council is being asked to resolve to sell Ray Walsh House, including the adjoining western car park, and commence an Expression of Interest process to appoint a selling agent.
What stage it is at
Council decision.
Key points
- Sale of Ray Walsh House is recommended.
- Western car park proposed to be included.
- Eastern car park may be offered as an option to the purchaser.
- Community submissions and Council responses are included in the annexures.
- A further report will return to Council before the sale method is approved.
Key figures
Not applicable.
What this means for residents
Ray Walsh House is one of Council's most significant community assets. The decision will determine whether the property remains in public ownership or proceeds to sale, with further Council decisions still required before any sale can be completed.
561 Peel Street Lease (Closed Council)
What Council is considering
Council will consider entering into a new lease over part of Council-owned land at 561 Peel Street.
What stage it is at
Closed Council due to confidential commercial negotiations.
Key points
- Relates to Part Lot 5 DP1225365.
- New lease agreement proposed.
- References previous Council decisions from 2005 and 2024.
- Appears to be a continuation of an existing long-term lease arrangement.
Key Figures
Not publicly disclosed.
What this means for residents
Although the commercial details remain confidential, the matter concerns the ongoing management of a Council-owned asset rather than the sale of public land.
Closed Council Note
The report has been classified confidential because disclosure could prejudice commercial negotiations or confer a commercial advantage on another party.
Reservoir Road Agistment Agreement (Closed Council)
What Council is considering
Council will consider an Expression of Interest for an agistment agreement over Council-owned land.
What stage it is at
Closed Council
Key points
- Council-owned rural land.
- Expression of Interest process.
- Linked to future use of land associated with the Manilla Water Treatment Plant project.
Key Figures
- Not publicly disclosed.
What this means for residents
The proposal relates to the temporary management of Council-owned land while broader infrastructure works are undertaken.
Closed Council Note
Commercial information has not been released publicly while Council considers the proposal.
2026/27 Operational Plan, Budget and Long-Term Planning
What Council is considering
Council will consider adopting the 2026/27 Operational Plan, Budget, Statement of Revenue Policy, Fees and Charges, Long Term Financial Plan, Asset Management Strategy and associated Integrated Planning and Reporting documents.
What stage it is at
Council decision following public exhibition.
Key points
- Public exhibition has concluded.
- Community submissions have been received and considered.
- Officer recommendations include amendments following public exhibition.
- Documents establish Council's priorities, spending and service delivery for the coming financial year.
Key Figures
The documents include Council's operating budget, capital works program, fees and charges, and long-term financial projections.
What this means for residents
These are Council's most important annual planning documents. They determine how public funds will be spent, which projects will proceed and the services Council plans to deliver over the coming year and beyond.
Water NSW Bulk Water Charges
What Council is considering
Council will receive IPART's final determination on Water NSW bulk water charges through to 2029-30.
What stage it is at
Information report.
Key points
- Council previously lodged a submission during the consultation process.
- Water NSW bulk water charges are projected to increase over coming years.
- Council will consider these increases as part of future budget planning.
Key Figures
Bulk water charges are projected to increase by approximately 48.8% by 2029-30.
What this means for residents
Higher wholesale water costs may place pressure on future water charges. Any changes to customer charges would be considered through future Council budgets.
Annual Operational Plan Budget Variations
What Council is considering
Council will consider amendments to the current 2025/26 Operational Plan budget.
What stage it is at
Council decision.
Key points
- Budget adjustments across a number of projects.
- Reallocation of funding where required.
- Updates to capital and operational expenditure.
Key Figures
Individual project variations are detailed within the Business Papers.
What this means for residents
Budget variations help ensure Council's financial resources continue to align with project delivery and changing priorities during the financial year.
Community Event Centre Annexe Licence
What Council is considering
Council will consider granting a licence over the Community Event Centre Annexe to Arts North West.
What stage it is at
Council Decision.
Key points
- Involves a Council-owned community facility.
- Provides an alternative location following further discussions between Council and Arts North West.
- Existing shared amenities would remain available.
Key Figures
No significant financial changes are identified in the report.
What this means for residents
The proposal supports continued community use of a Council-owned facility while allowing Council to retain flexibility in managing the broader Community Event Centre.
Source Documents
Tamworth Regional Council
Ordinary Council Meeting – 30 June 2026 - Business Papers & Annexures
About this summary
This summary has been prepared by TRRRA to assist residents and ratepayers in understanding the matters before Tamworth Regional Council. It is based on the published Business Papers and is intended as a plain English guide to the key issues on the agenda. Readers are encouraged to refer to the original Council documents for complete details. Final decisions will be known after the Council meeting.