TAMWORTH Regional Council has released the first draft of its ambitious plan to increase the population to 100,000 people by 2041.
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The document which will guide the council towards the goal, titled Blueprint 100, has been described as "definitive" and the first of its kind for councils in Australia.
The council will put the draft on public exhibition for an extended period as it calls for community feedback on the plan.
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The rationale for essentially doubling the city's rate of population growth suggests a bigger city will attract better opportunities and services.
"Population projections are a key determinant of government infrastructure planning," the draft report said.
"In other words, the bigger the population the greater the services and infrastructure for the city.
"For example, regional cities with a population of 100,000 have better public transport which is a key issue for Tamworth."
The release of the blueprint comes at interesting time for the council with its planning director, Brent McAlister, set to resign before the new year.
It also comes as the city grapples with water supply and security issues amid an unprecedented drought.
Water security looms large in the draft plan.
While funding has been announced for a new and expanded Dungowan Dam, there is a range of raw water remedies suggested in the blueprint.
It calls on the council to advocate for "changes to the current operation of Chaffey Dam" to provide increased allocation for the city of Tamworth.
Other options identified include: a transfer of water from Keepit Dam, off river storage upstream of Tamworth and expanding groundwater supplies.
The draft report also highlights the need for the council to " proactively facilitate new investment and business opportunities" and a need for lifestyle improvements to attract greater migration.
"This will no doubt mean doing things differently," the report said.
The current rate of growth will see Tamworth reach 80,000 people by 2041.
"The new skilled migration visa incentives to move to regional areas will help with this," the report said.
"But clearly there are also some significant lifestyle gaps such as the lack of an all year round modern aquatic centre."
The councillors will vote on the draft plan at the last ordinary meeting of the year on Tuesday night. The Blueprint 100 document is presently available on the council website.
A six-week consultation period will begin in February.