MORE than just roads, rates and rubbish, there was a lot happening in the halls of Ray Walsh House this week.
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From a rift over recycling, to raving about the premiere of its latest premier soccer pitch and rolling out the welcome mat to Chinese investors, there was plenty to talk about when it came to Tamworth Regional Council.
Check out the week that was:
Council budget report reveals income flow from increased water use
TAMWORTH Regional Council pocketed a $1 million increase in income flowed into its water fund following a surge in consumption at the start of the year.
The income splash was revealed in the council’s quarterly budget review which crunched the numbers from the beginning of 2018 to the end of March.
The budget review found a $13,135 income increase on the back of adjustments to rates and annual water charges. Read more.
Council says Moore Creek Road and Browns Lane roundabout work will start in July
WORK on a new roundabout at an accident-plagued intersection will begin in July as development on the northern-side of town continues to boom.
Phil Betts, chair of the Tamworth Regional Council traffic committee, said work on the new roundabout at the intersection of Moore Creek Road and Browns Lane should begin early in the new financial year.
Cr Betts is also on the Joint Regional Planning Panel which recently approved the construction of a $42 million aged care facility near the intersection. Read more.
Peel Street recycling bins causes rift
A PLAN to install recycling bins on Peel St was almost scuppered as a number councillors feared it would be a waste of money.
Tamworth Regional Council staff proposed to install 24 recycling bins on the main drag between White and Bourke streets for a 12 month trial.
With a $112,000 price tag, concerns of non-recyclable contamination and uncertainty in the industry, Glenn Inglis, Phil Betts and Charles Impey wanted the trial binned. Read more.
Tamworth Regional Council mayor Col Murray very hopeful for Chinese solar project
A DELEGATION from China will arrive in the city on Thursday to discuss a solar power project in Tamworth.
Mayor Col Murray was “very hopeful” the proposal would get up and said it came as a direct result of negotiations held in China over the last 12 months.
“It's a company we were introduced to when John Sommerlad and myself went over there last year,” Cr Murray said. Read more.
Council water director says water use peaked with warm start to 2018
THE considerably warm start to the year has led to a spike in water use in Tamworth.
Daily water consumption topped 41 megalitres a day in January, while daily rates have dropped below 27 megalitres, council is urging the community to use water wisely.
Tamworth Regional Council’s Director Water and Waste, Bruce Logan, said the levels of water consumption have followed the usual seasonal trends recorded during an ongoing dry spell. Read more.
Council calls for expressions of interest on Westdale reservoir
TAMWORTH Regional Council is calling for ideas to re-purpose the Westdale reservoir which has been spared from the bulldozers.
Council initially proposed to demolish two unused water reservoirs, one on Panorama Road in Calala and one on Gunnedah Road, to the tune of $140,000.
While the old water tanks were ready to be razed, a new wave of thought washed through the council chambers this week. Read more.
Council unveils redeveloped Johnson Oval ahead of Tamworth soccer
JOHNSON Oval might now be in a league of its own among the city’s sporting fields as council staff put the finishing touches on the premier ground.
It was a speedy effort from Tamworth Regional Council’s staff who completely redeveloped the Gipps Street field in about five months.
Council’s manager of sport and recreation, Paul Kelly, said, ideally, the redevelopment of sporting pitch should put it out of action for 12 months. Read more.