Tamworth Regional Council

Background

Tamworth Regional Council is one of the biggest councils in inland NSW, with a population of over 58,000, spread over an area three times as large as the Sydney basin, and a prosperous economy based on building, retail, industry, hospitality and agriculture.  Working with a regional community that is progressive, innovative and creative, Tamworth Regional Council's strategies and services are designed to deliver its vision of Tamworth as rural Australia's most liveable region for residents, investors, workers and visitors.

The Council (TRC) was established in March 2004, through amalgamation of the northern NSW shires of Barrab, Manilla, Nundle and Parry and the city of Tamworth.  Tamworth is the regional hub, home to more than 50,000 people.  Other population centres include the towns of Manilla, Barraba, Nundle and Kootingal, as well as another 17 hamlets and villages.

TRC is the winner of the 2009 A R Bluett Award for excellence in local government and the 2009 state and national Tidy Town awards.

Sustainability Initiatives and Achievements

Tamworth Regional Council is addressing the challenges of sustainability in a number of ways.  Examples of this include:

• The use of the Building Sustainability Index (BASIX) in all new developments to increase efficiency in energy, water and thermal design.
• The Tamworth Urban Riparian Project is a rehabilitation and replanting program in partnership with the Tamworth Urban Landcare Group and Namoi CMA.
• Ongoing activities around National Tree Day and Schools Tree Day to encourage biodiveristy of local flora and fauna.
• The production of a local booklet 'Australia Plants Suitable for Tamworth Council Areas' to encourage the revegetation of local plant types.
• The operation of seven water supply schemes and four waste water schemes, and the undertaking of a major new initiative, the Tamworth Sewerage Augmentation and 100% Effluent Reuse Scheme.  A revegetation project at Bolton's Creek is also connected to this new facility.
• Water Enterprises have produced Water Sustainability Strategic Plans and a Demand Management Plan to reduce the consumption levels of potable water in industry, homes and areas connected to the treated water supply.  The Large Water Users Reduction Initiative and Individual Water Management Plans are examples of Council's commitment to water conservation in the region.
• The Water Sustainability Officer undertakes to increase water-wise usage through campaigns, education, competitions and extension activities.  Some examples are: involvement in National Water Week, Residential Water Savings Rebates, Water Newsletters and Roadside Water Conservation Signage.
• The Horticulture and Recreation department have classified all of the regions parks, gardens and reserves and have prioritised water usage on these open spaces.  A computer management tool has been installed to monitor the automated watering systems to ensure that irrigation is being used efficiently.
• The Waste department have introduced kerb-side recycling to the majority opf the region, as well as there being drop off points at the landfill sites.  An Organic and Greenwaste Processing facility is also in operation, which has resulted in over 58% of the volume of material being reprocessed or recycled - the recycled component has increased by 3,764 tonnes.
• The Waste Education Officer conducts campaigns to increase awareness for recycling and composting and reduce the impacts of littering.  Some of these activities are: the annual Country Music Festival Anti-Litter project, School recycling and waste education programs, DRUMmuster campaigns, and participation in the annual Clean-Up Australia Day.
• TRC is a leading member council in the Northern Inland Regional Waste (NIRW) group which has been established to address regional waste management issues.
• TRC has prepared an Energy Savings Action Plan and undertaken the implementation of recommended actions, for example, window glazing/tinting and insulation.
• Sustainability planning on a council and regional level have been undertaken and this commitment is evidenced by plans and initiatives associated with the Namoi Catchment Sustainability Plan, TRC Sustainability Action Plan and annual State of the Environment Reports.
• An interdepartmental Sustainability Action Team has been created to increase awareness and education of resource efficiencies in council operations.  The Team also participates in regional events, such as the Sustainable Living Expo, to highlight ways that the community can reduce resource consumption actively improve our physical environment.
• TRC is also committed to the principles of Social Justice and Equity by engaging and actively participating with minority groups in the community.  Examples of this are strategies like: the Cultural Management Plan, Disability Action Plan, annual Youth Forums and regular scheduled events to promote and celebrate diveristy.
• Industrial audits in Taminda have been conducted to reduce the amount of industrial waste and its impacts on the environment.
• The TRC Plant and Fleet department have implemented strategies to reduce fuel consumption and costs, in turn reducing the impact of energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions on the environment.
• TRC has undertaken Climate Change Risk Assessments and modelling, and is currently working on a Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation Strategy document.
• TRC participates annually in Earth Hour by reducing lighting in all Council facilities and promoting the benefits of energy reduction all year round.

The Council recognises that at times working with others results in the best outcomes.  For this reason we have formed a number of alliances which have allowed us to work actively and cooperative with bodies such as the Namoi Catchment Management Authority, Namoi Local Government Group, the Namoi Councils, and the Northern Inland Regional Waste Group.  Involvement with these organisations has resulted in initiatives such as the Namoi Catchment Action Plan, the Namoi Catchment Sustainability Plan and an active water education program.

Council has also supported a Care for Country initiative that brings together the local aboriginal community, the Namoi Catchment Management Authority and TAFE.  Stage one of the project, at the Tamworth Regional Botanic Garden, has already completed.

TRC encourages residents to make a commitment to sustainability by taking part in Council initiatives such as the rebates for water efficient appliances that we offer and our waste management programs, which divert materials such as green, timber and wood waste, construction and demolition material, metal, tyres and chemicals away from landfill.