A DEVELOPMENT boom has seen the city pave its own path out of the pandemic, but there were two major projects that got little attention in the council's six-month progress report.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
or signup to continue reading
Despite the $67 million Tamworth Regional Aquatic Centre being one of two projects that drew the highest amount of community interest, with more than 9000 views online and nearly 6000 contributions - the council hasn't outlined any concrete actions to get the development across the line.
The same goes for the Tamworth Performing Arts and Cultural Precinct which is on a tight deadline as the Capitol Theatre's lease expires in November 2023.
The council has committed to "continue to advocate" for both projects with updates on a quarterly basis.
Cr Glenn Inglis said there's about 300 pages of hard yards in the reports, and commented that similarly in the end-of-term report there was no mention of the performing arts and cultural centre.
"I think that's a mistake because an awful lot of work, even about the aquatic centre I don't think was in there either, when you think of the community consultation that went into both of those processes - huge amount of work and that should be acknowledged," he said.
"Those things should be in there."
Read also:
Tamworth Regional Council's executive manager of strategy and performance Jason Collins said it wasn't on purpose, but it wasn't an oversight.
"The annual report was for the immediate 12 months and focused more on the financial position of the council and some key activities, but it wasn't the final activities of what council did over the 12 months," he said.
However, the council made serious strides in other developments, with $78.7 million committed to its Sydney CBD-sized industrial park, $28 million for six major road upgrades and the opening of the Tamworth Regional Astronomy and Science Centre.
Mr Collins said the fact the council made it out of COVID-19 in a financially sustainable position with major developments underway left it in a position to grow in 2022.
Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can continue to access our trusted content:
- Bookmark northerndailyleader.com.au
- Make sure you are signed up for our breaking and regular headlines newsletters
- Follow us on Twitter
- Follow us on Instagram
- Follow us on Google News
Madeline Link
Madeline Link is a journalist at the Newcastle Herald, with a focus on Lake Macquarie City Council. To keep up with my stories, follow my Twitter @madeline_link, for tips email madeline.link@newcastleherald.com.au.
Madeline Link is a journalist at the Newcastle Herald, with a focus on Lake Macquarie City Council. To keep up with my stories, follow my Twitter @madeline_link, for tips email madeline.link@newcastleherald.com.au.
