It is a significant document for the future of the city and it is a substantial investment in a priority list for future development and our need to meet that growth.

It’s not just a wish list, it’s a long term road map that will attempt to identify and then decide when the most critical infrastructure works for the next 20 to 30 years will be developed.

The council will put up a draft document of the most critical big-ticket projects to ensure Tamworth continues to thrive, including upgraded highway sections to handle traffic bottlenecks and new dual roads to cater for increased vehicle movements.

The new strategy lists some 58 critical projects identified by a series of workshops between senior council staff, councillors and private business and other groups over a two month period earlier this year.

Among the projects are major ring roads to the north and east of the city, additional traffic lanes on the Manilla Rd and Goonoo Goonoo Rd, a southern bypass of the city, and a second access to Calala.

Acting mayor Russell Webb says this plan represents a huge step in being strategic, in looking towards financial responsibility, but treading a path to stay ahead of development disasters with forward planning.

The council has gone outside the inner circle – and gone for those with “the smarts” to advise councillors and staff with some expert opinion.

So, with the input of business, community, developer, transport, sport, arts and cultural and real estate sectors, the council has come up with what it sees could be the road map to drive our growth and development towards the next 30 years.

General manager Paul Bennett says this early consultation fosters a stronger and more effective system of local government. He says a recent community survey indicated they wanted more innovation from council when it comes to engagement.

So this is a first step. But a giant leap.

The Regional Infrastructure Strategy will identify “big ticket items” from transport to essential utility services and community infrastructure that will be required over the next 30 years, including what triggers will influence their timing, what hurdles will need to be overcome, and what potential funding options may exist.

The council believes, while the public has some of the best ideas, and some different perspectives, it can marry those with a council commitment to be a region of opportunity and prosperity.

The draft plan will go on display – and the rest of us can have, and should have, a say in all of that before we start down that road.