An amended recommendation submitted by Cr Warren Woodley and seconded by Cr Phil Betts, received support from Cr Ray Tait and Cr Juanita Wilson. Cr Russell Webb had left the meeting because of a pecuniary interest.

Cr Wilson introduced a further option to Cr Woodley’s proposal: that a disabled car park be sited in the current spot in White St, with a six-car or 30-metre taxi rank and a loading zone for vehicles servicing businesses in the City Plaza, like Brian Penrose’s butchery.

The councillors supporting Cr Woodley’s proposal conceded there could be inconvenience for people with disabilities, however, the proposed two-car rank near the NAB would provide some compensation for the change.

The issue created a deal of discussion in the community consultation section of the meeting with several calls for no change as people with disabilities were used to the current rank. Tamworth Radio Cabs Cooperative, represented by Melissa Swain of Everingham Solomons, appealed for more time for the co-operative to contribute to the discussion and that two ranks could create problems with the dispatch of cabs.