General News
25 February, 2026
Residents grill TRC over assets
PRESSURE is mounting on Tablelands Regional Council over its decision to offload 44 of its buildings, with a letter now circulating calling for more transparency and better consultation with the community.
The council has announced it wants to get rid of 44 of its assets – the first batch of 290 buildings that are being considered for “divestment” in a bid to reduce its annual maintenance costs.
Among the first 44 assets on the hit list are guides and scout halls, sporting clubhouses, community groups’ storage sheds, and amenity blocks, including the Archer River toilets at Millstream which has gained much public attention on social media.
In a statement last month, the council claimed that many of its community assets were “underutilised, not fit-for-purpose, close to end of life and not sustainable”.
But opposition to the plan is gaining momentum, with residents being urged to download a letter, sign it and send it to the council.
The letter reads: “These assets have been funded and maintained through our rates, and we request full transparency as to their current condition, as well as meaningful consultation with all residents.
“This needs to take place prior to any decision being made on their future. We request the following:
1. A full and open breakdown of all assets being considered for divestment/disposal, including detailed reports on their current condition, maintenance history, and valuation.
2. Comprehensive forecasts for each asset, outlining projected costs, benefits, and potential impacts on the community if divested.
3. A clear and detailed plan on how any proceeds from the divestment of these assets will be distributed and reinvested back into the community, ensuring no net loss to ratepayer-funded services.
4. Mandatory public consultations in every affected area, with ample opportunity for residents to provide input and voice objections before any divestment proceeds.”
The letter states: “These assets belong to the community. Ratepayers have paid for them through many years of contributions.
“The council’s pattern of asset sales without reinvestment or accountability must end. We will not tolerate further erosion of our community’s infrastructure and services. We call on the council to immediately halt any divestment processes until these requests are actioned in full.”
One resident posted an official response from a council officer on Facebook last week, trying to calm his fears by stating that the list of 44 assets was just the start of a long process.
“We understand that council’s resolution to investigate the potential divestment of some community facilities is challenging for some, while others see it as a chance to shape a more sustainable future for their facility,” the council officer wrote.
“We want to prevent any misunderstandings and reassure you that this process is about long-term sustainability, not the immediate removal of facilities or services. No final decisions have been made, and no facilities will be removed at this stage of the process.
“We are committed to meeting with all impacted user groups to understand how these spaces are used before any recommendations are made. We expect the internal and legal review to take around two months, after which consultation with the impacted user groups will begin.
“Following completion of the next two stages, informed divestment recommendations will be presented to Councillors in an information session, with a report then tabled at an Ordinary Council Meeting for a decision.
“Even if divestment is recommended, this does not automatically mean demolition, sale or closure of a facility. In many cases, facilities can continue operating under alternative arrangements.
“It may lead to leasing or donating a building to a not-for-profit/community group, or simply to an agreement to continue to maintain it until the end of its useful life (without undertaking any major repair/renewal works).”
