THERE'S one numeral which triggers more debate, discussion and daydreaming than all others in the local halls of power.
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One-hundred-thousand.
Ever since the thought of pushing Tamworth to a population of 100,000 people was first floated by the deputy premier, John Barilaro, the suggestion has raised a number of questions around how and if something like that could ever be achieved.
But some answers are beginning to be formulated.
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Tamworth Regional Council has pencilled in a date it wants to see the population milestone achieved by.
"I guess, loosely, within council we have pretty much adopted 2041," Cr Murray told the Leader.
It is fair to say it is a hugely ambitious target in 22 years.
At the 2016 census, the Tamworth Regional Council area registered a population just shy of 60,000 people.
Excluding outer-lying villages and communities Tamworth's population was at 41,000.
Recent figures from the Bureau of Statistics showed Tamworth's population was growing at about one per cent a year.
Cr Murray said the city had no chance of reaching 100,000 without a rock solid plan.
Creating access to local jobs and higher education will loom large in the plans as the council tries to make strides on new industrial precincts and a university campus.
"We are seeing the start of the plan now and we have got a very proactive council," he said.
While water is a major concern for the city presently, the mayor said a growing city would demand government investment in a greater security.
"I would argue we have got no chance of increasing our water security without having population growth," he said.
"That'll force it to happen.
"I have absolutely got no concerns that there'll be water for the future, providing we have got the plan and got the population growth to strengthen it."