20 Jun 2026

Unfortunately, we now need to share some concerning news.  

The future of our sport in Tamworth is very much at risk. This issue involves a property lease and the matter is now urgent.

Sport in many communities typically operates from Council owned sites with the assets being managed by the Sport and Recreation department. Eg. cricket, rugby, hockey, basketball, swimming, athletics, etc.

Bouldering however at 7-11a Anne St has been operating under a Tamworth Regional Council (TRC) ‘commercial lease’. 

Whilst we’ve been led to believe an internal ‘asset transition’ between departments was a matter of due process, it appears this is not the case as formal steps have now been taken to lease the property to another party - not us. 

TRC is the landlord. They have every right to do this.

However, the TRC alternative recommendation will no doubt raise more than just eyebrows if things go ahead as proposed.  ‘Commercial in confidence’ means business details are not made public and this is decided behind closed doors by TRC.  But based on on-site inspections, we have a pretty good idea.  

What’s not clear is why this is happening? 

All community-based sports need the support of the government. Grassroots community sport is not a commercial venture so why is this asset being managed by the TRC commercial department?

The very purpose of any local government is to serve and represent the community.  

We’re grateful to TRC for working with us to date in building our sport in Tamworth. Without their support it’s unlikely our sport would exist here today. The same can also be said for most sports.  

What started from scratch in 2017 is now a continuous growing community of 400+ and the social impact is significant and irrefutable. 

However, if this lease issue isn’t resolved, the future of Bouldering in Tamworth is bleak. There are no alternative non-commercial sites available in Tamworth so if a relocation was forced then it won’t be local. 

For those in our community, it’s now or never to stand up, have your say and help keep Bouldering alive in Tamworth. 

Councillors are elected to be the voice of the community.

If Tamworth Bouldering has had a positive impact on you, your family, or the wider community, please share your thoughts with your councillors to help them understand what this sport means to the people they represent.

Click the WHAT TO DO link below and have your say NOW. 

Note: Must be done before 5pm 25 Jun.

Go Back