Our application to the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) will be for a 2% levy each year for three years starting in the 2020/21 financial year. If approved and implemented this will bring about $400,000 a year to secure new events.

I see this as a great opportunity for council to further bolster our local economy by adding new events to hosting and creating new events. Businesses have also told us they support the concept of a levy and understand the benefits it could deliver. The levy will not support our many existing events which are funded through our existing budget. We will learn of the outcome from IPART in May this year. 

Have you noticed the progress being made on the construction of the Viaduct Park Youth Recreation Hub? I was impressed when I recently visited the site to see the specialised concreting work being done to create the skate bowl with specialised components. The design is based on what local youth told us they wanted to see built there.

It will be the only one of its kind in the New England North West and attract regional competitions. Concerts, movie nights, outdoor exhibitions and food stalls could also be seen at the park in the future. This project will give new life to Viaduct Park and deliver on council's promise to provide a new recreational area for all ages. For more information and a great aerial view of work in progress, go to www.tamworth.nsw.gov.au/Viaduct-Park-Youth-Recreation-Hub

Council has received good news for the 7000 drivers who travel though the intersection of Garden Street and Hillvue Road with state Member for Tamworth, Kevin Anderson, announcing $610,000 in funding for a new roundabout. The project will improve road safety and improve traffic flows at the busy intersection. Design work will start in March and construction will be scheduled for the new financial year.

It is pleasing to see there has been a reduction in water consumption in Tamworth, Moonbi and Kootingal since Level 2 water restrictions came into effect on 4 February. Unfortunately, weather forecasts indicate we still have some time to go before we get the rain we need to boost our water storages and get our rivers flowing strongly again. If you haven’t seen our Water Restriction Patrol vehicles out and about in your neighbourhood, I’m sure you will soon. The patrols are visiting different parts of the region at different times – even at night – to keep a check that the rules are being followed.

I encourage everyone to be aware of what Level 2 water restrictions mean to you by either visiting www.tamworth.nsw.gov.au/waterrestrictions or popping in to one of our offices.