The creation of a new Tamworth Regional Water Supply Taskforce is one of the initiatives highlighted in a
report to next Tuesday night's Council meeting.
The Monthly Drought Response and Water Sustainability report explains how the taskforce will engage with
the wider business community in the decision-making process around strategies and actions as the drought
continues and water restrictions increase. It will meet for the first time next week.
Tamworth Region Mayor Col Murray, who will chair the taskforce, said it provides a way to work more
closely with the business community and share the responsibility to manage the region's water.
"This is a great initiative and between the members I am confident we have the knowledge and know-how
required to tackle any tough decision that we are faced with as this drought continues," Cr Murray said.
"Council is committed to engaging with the business community to achieve a shared vision for the region's
water management."
The aims of the taskforce are to:
• Create a forum for discussion and exchange of information on topics related to water security across
the local government area.
• Assist Council to understand the values, aspirations and preferences that the wider business
community has for water management, and identify and examine issues and options that can be
taken into consideration in order to manage water supply and demand during the drought period.
• Act as a communication link between Council and other stakeholders.
The taskforce will consist of 13 members from across Council, industry, NSW Education, NSW Health,
emergency services, WaterNSW and the Tamworth Business Chamber. Invitations to attend as an observer
will be extended to State Member for Tamworth, Kevin Anderson, and Federal Member for New England,
Barnaby Joyce.
Meetings will be held monthly for the first three months, after which the ongoing meeting frequency will be
decided. Membership of the taskforce will be reviewed after one year.
Other initiatives the Monthly Drought Response and Water Sustainability Update report includes a proposal
to use electronic variable messaging boards for Level 5 Water Restrictions information and an update on
State Government drought water projects.
