Bold plans for a university in Tamworth have somewhat divided the city. There are many proponents on the bus rolling towards a solution, and plenty of objectors who say the campus isn't needed; or our water supplies won't cope; or the proposed location at the velodrome isn't big enough.
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Regardless of where you sit – whether it's on the fence, or for or against – this week's developments have thrown the project onto the election agenda.
Following on from last week's community meeting, plans for the $53 million-plus project were full steam ahead. Until the mayor returned from high-powered meetings in Canberra and Sydney with the state and federal stakeholders.
It a shock move, it was Col Murray – in a rushed doorstop press conference in the airport terminal – who was left to spill the beans that the state government would kick in $26 million for the project, about $17 million less than what the steering committee and council had been expected.
It's fair to say many involved were ropeable. The off-the-record and behind-the-scenes comments weren't favourable; and despite the funding commitment from the Coalition, there was no press conference, no grand announcement and no media release – nothing from the state, other than journalists contacting local MP Kevin Anderson for comment.
Deputy Premier John Barilaro refused our requests for an interview, leaving it to a spokesperson to provide a written statement that did not answer the questions we put to him.
Mr Anderson has been touting the funding commitment that is locked and loaded, regardless of the election outcome. He's happy and says it's more than what we had last week.
On Friday, the University of New England, Mr Anderson and the council sat down in a closed-door meeting to nut out the way forward, and will press on to establish the new campus.
Regardless of where you sit, Tamworth is in a prized position to take advantage of the political games to secure one of the biggest developments in years.
We have both a state and federal election in the coming months. This will allow us to determine how much a priority the project – which proponents claim will bring jobs, education and business development for the city – is for the parties and the candidates.
If not, locals will vote with their feet on election days.
And if you missed it, you must read our sit-down interview with medicinal cannabis crusader Lucy Haslam. This weekend marks the fourth anniversary of her son Dan's passing, and now more than ever she's determined to rally for easier cannabis access. Mrs Haslam is "repulsed" by the laws that became his legacy … so far.
Enjoy the rest of your weekend.
Breanna Chillingworth
Deputy Editor
