THE ever-changing face of Peel St will soon get a healthy makeover, with a new initiative getting rolled out later this year.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Tamworth Regional Council has endorsed the installation of three water refill station to be dotted along the CBD.
The move has received a big tick of approval from local Heart Foundation representatives who say the council is fast earning a reputation for its healthy and proactive projects.
Penny Milson, health promotion coordinator with the Heart Foundation, wrote to council in support of the move.
“Providing tap water makes the healthier choice, the easier choice,” Ms Milson said.
Combined with the CBD smoking ban, Ms Milson said council has made great strides and said the next step should be to look into more walking and cycling infrastructure around town.
The water refill units are expected to be installed by the end of August, this year.
The decision comes after a report in February was deferred to allow consultation with the City Centre Working Group.
The group met in early April and supported the proposed locations, which would provide access to drinking water for residents, visitors and pets in the CBD.
Council sustainability coordinator Tracey Carr said the installations would also reduce litter in town.
“The water re-fill stations encourage residents and visitors to re-fill their drink bottles, rather than using a disposable plastic bottle,” she said.
“By reducing single use drink bottles, we will assist with reducing the amount of litter in our beautiful city and park areas.
“The proposed locations have been selected due to their high foot traffic movements and include Peel Street, Fitzroy Street, Bourke Street and in Bicentennial Park.
“These areas are often used by walkers, who we are sure will appreciate the option to re-fill their drink bottles, and we expect the units to also be popular during events.”