A collective vision for the future management of Tamworth’s Victoria Park has been formally adopted. Councillors last night endorsed the Victoria Park Masterplan which sets out a range of actions to guide the park in East Tamworth towards its full potential as a major tourist destination. A Council report said over the last 10 years, the Tamworth Marsupial Park and Tamworth Adventure Playground have expanded and evolved to become a popular destination for locals and tourists alike. In addition, it is now the home of the multi-million dollar Tamworth Regional Astronomy and Science Centre. The masterplan sets out 11 areas with different activities, examines each and details possible future opportunities.

The masterplan aligns with Council’s Blueprint 100, a strategy for managing sustainable population growth in the future and including improved cultural, social and physical amenity for the local community over the next 20 years. Possible projects listed in the masterplan include enhancing displays at the Tamworth Regional Botanic Gardens and marsupial park, adding landscaping around the track at the Tamworth Miniature Railway, creation of a new entry off Endeavour Drive, the addition of cantilevered walkways on Scenic Drive (which leads to Oxley Lookout) to improve pedestrian safety, additional car parking and toilet upgrades at the marsupial park and provision of a space for the coffee/food van at Oxley Lookout.

A Council report said there was strong community engagement as part of the plan’s development including 86 responses to the public exhibition of the draft plan earlier this year. There are no funds currently allocated to implement any of the actions of the masterplan. However, the plan recommends Council review the existing and proposed operations of the park and identity future revenue streams to potentially offset the park’s ongoing costs.