Tamworth Regional Council (TRC) councillor Mark Rodda said a digital register of all conversations between the council and developers would promote honest decision-making.

"Recently when enquiring with staff about discussions they may have had with a developer about a potentially contentious issue, I was advised that 'there is no specific registry of staff meetings with a developer'," he wrote in his report.

"Since my time as a councillor, I have often been asked by concerned residents about developments and their proponents but have not been in a position to answer their questions.

"[I] was advised that to interrogate the council's calendars, emails and diaries would take a lot of the council's time and resources to investigate to receive an answer."

The notice of motion will go to councillors at Tuesday night's meeting.

Cr Rodda said he believes the register would enhance the image of the council and region as open, honest and transparent

"I believe a policy and register of communications between the council personnel and developers or their agents would provide more confidence that the council values competition and investment in the building industry, and that the council always acts in the utmost good faith with every proponent, stakeholder or ratepayer," he said.

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"This may reduce any concerns by the public that Council decisions are made behind closed doors without public oversight or comment."

Discussions can include issues related to the size of a building, location, design, landscaping and road access.

Cr Rodda pointed out that other councils had established a similar register.

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