Projects, news and current events  |  9 June 2025

Armidale Regional Council Support Flood Recovery in Taree

In partnership with Kellys Transport and the Duval Lions Club, we are lending a helping hand to flood-affected communities in the Taree region by donating and delivering hay bales to support local farmers and their livestock.

The hay, sourced from Council’s Wastewater reuse farm, will be transported by Kellys Transport, with the Lions Club coordinating logistics to ensure the delivery reaches farms most in need. These areas have been severely impacted by recent flooding, leaving many communities isolated from essential resources such as feed for their animals.

Big Chill, Big Impact

This year’s Big Chill Festival was more than a celebration of music, food, and community spirit—it was a major economic boost for the Armidale Region.

With a 47% increase in ticket sales compared to 2024 and a sold-out weekend that welcomed over 5,000 attendees, the event generated an impressive $3.6 million in total economic benefit. Of that, $2.3 million came directly from visitor spending.

But the impact goes beyond the numbers.

Local hospitality and retail businesses reported trading levels that exceeded even the peak Christmas period. From bustling cafés and fully booked accommodation to thriving boutique stores, the entire city came alive with activity.

The Chilly Dip at Dumaresq Dam has firmly established itself as a signature experience of the festival. It was heartening to see so many locals and visitors alike take the plunge and embrace the spirit of the event.

The festival’s reach extended well beyond our city limits, with 45% of ticket holders travelling from outside the region. Social media engagement soared, reaching over 1 million people and placing Armidale firmly on the map as a destination for future tourism and investment.

Events like The Big Chill are more than entertainment—they are catalysts for economic growth, community pride, and regional visibility. We look forward to building on this momentum in the years to come.

Draft Reconciliation Action Plan

Council is seeking community feedback on its Draft Reconciliation Action Plan

A Reconciliation Action Plan is used to lay the foundations and prepare a workplace for future reconciliation plans and reconciliation initiatives. Once endorsed by Council and Reconciliation Australia, it will be published on the Reconciliation Australia website as a public commitment to improved local outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people across our region.

Submissions must be received by 11.59pm Wednesday 25 June 2025

Albion Park Pedestrian Bridge replacement

Work is progressing quickly on Albion Park Pedestrian Bridge replacement!

Council was awarded a Local Roads and Community Infrastructure grant to repair/replace the Albion Park Pedestrian Bridge Replacement at the rear of the Monkton Aquatic Centre. While it was not possible to repair the popular bridge, a new suspension bridge is being constructed to replicate it as closely as possible.

Water Drops: ARC's Strategic Planning Journey

The strategic planning journey for Armidale Regional Council (ARC) began with the 2016 merger of Armidale Dumaresq and Guyra Shire Councils. The merger exposed significant under resourcing and a lack of strategic vision and direction. This legacy created the need for a more unified, forward-thinking approach. It was the turning point along with the 2019 drought and the introduction of the 2021 elected councillors that shared a bold and ambitious growth strategy to turn our region’s fortunes around.

At the time of the merger, the region’s water security was already under pressure. The combined communities of Armidale and Guyra required 4,312 ML of water per year but only had access to about 2,428 ML—just 56% of what was needed. This shortfall became painfully clear during the 2019 drought, when both towns came dangerously close to running out of water. It was a wake-up call that exposed the fragility of the region’s infrastructure and the urgent need for long-term solutions. 

By 2018, ARC began shifting toward best-practice pricing in water. This wasn’t just a nice-to-have—it was a response to growing expectations across the local government sector. The industry was moving toward integrated, evidence-based strategies, and ARC recognised it needed to keep pace. That’s when strategic thinking really started to take shape. 

One of the most significant outcomes of this shift has been the renewed focus on water security. The restoration of the Oaky River Dam—originally decommissioned in 2013—has become a cornerstone of ARC’s strategy. The dam offers a more resilient catchment, lower evaporation rates, and the potential to diversify supply through a new pipeline to the Armidale Water Treatment Plant. It’s not just about infrastructure—it’s about building resilience for the future. 

As an emerging issue, climate change has grown into a major planning consideration. Over time, ARC has come to understand that climate change isn’t just a background issue—it’s central to everything from water management to economic development. That realisation has pushed the council to embed climate resilience into its strategic documents and planning frameworks.

Today, ARC’s planning landscape looks very different from where it started. What was once a fragmented and reactive approach is now more cohesive, proactive, and aligned with the region’s long-term needs. And while there’s still work to do, the region is better positioned than ever to grow sustainably, adapt to change, and support its communities.

Changed traffic conditions | Kaurala and Boundary Creek Bridge

Please be advised that traffic conditions have changed at two ARC bridge construction sites.

• Kaurala Bridge on Old Armidale Road
• Boundary Creek Bridge on Lyndhurst Road

Both bridges are now open to traffic.

These sites previously featured deteriorated timber structures with load and speed restrictions. They have now been replaced with modern concrete bridges that support General Mass Limit vehicles as defined by the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) — with no load or speed restrictions.

While the bridges are open, contractors will continue removing sidetracks and temporary works. Full project completion is expected by the end of the financial year.

Words for wellbeing | Journaling workshop

If you have ever considered journaling, or wondered how 'writing things down' might be a valuable tool for you, consider coming along to a free 'Words for Wellbeing' journaling workshop!

As part of the Strengthening Rural and Regional Communities program, Council is hosting free journaling workshops at venues around the region:

• 5 for 5.30pm, Wednesday 11 June @ Guyra Soldiers' Memorial Hall
• 9 for 9.30am, Thursday 12 June @ Dangarsleigh Hall
• 9 for 9.30am, Friday 13 June @ Ebor Sportsground
• 10 for 10.30am, Saturday 14 June @ Sauer Memorial Hall, Wollomombi

Destination Management Plan (DMP)

We are developing a Destination Management Plan (DMP) to guide the future of tourism across our towns, villages, and natural areas.

This plan will support sustainable growth, attract targeted investment, and highlight opportunities that build on our region’s strengths.

To ensure the plan reflects the needs and aspirations of our community, we’re inviting input from locals, business owners, tourism operators, community groups, and visitors.

Your stories, insights, and ideas will help shape how the Armidale Region is positioned as a destination and inform future projects and decision-making.

Council Meetings

The next scheduled meeting is Wednesday 30 June 2025 at 4pm.

All meetings will be held at 4pm in the Armidale Council Chambers unless stated otherwise. The public are welcome to watch the live streaming over YouTube, via the link included below, or attend in person.

The meetings are conducted under the Armidale Regional Council Code of Meeting Practice which can be found on the Council’s Policy page.

You are receiving this e-newsletter from Armidale Regional Council as you have interacted with council using this email address. The purpose of this fortnightly e-newsletter is to keep you informed of council news and events which we hope you will find informative.