Our Wagga View is starting to take shape

Wagga Wagga, we’ve got a lot to celebrate.

It’s been one year since Wagga View, Community Strategic Plan 2040 was adopted and in that time our region has gone from strength to strength, with more than $13M in funding secured and a number of long-term plans finalised.

The Community Strategic Plan is a NSW Government legislated document created by local council on behalf of their communities. In Wagga Wagga, Council captured more than 3000 responses from residents to find out their vision for the future and how it can be achieved.

Mayor of the City of Wagga Wagga Councillor Greg Conkey OAM said that vision is now starting to take shape.

"There's never been a better time to live in Wagga," Cr Conkey said. "Our community has grown so much in recent years and has continued to grow over the past 12 months since Wagga View was adopted.

“We now have the plans and priorities in place to meet that growth and to ensure Wagga continues to be a thriving regional capital in 2040 and beyond.

“Wagga View includes thousands of voices from all parts of our community and they’ve been incorporated into some vital long-term plans like the Wagga Wagga Integrated Transport Strategy 2040, the Active Travel Plan, the Crime Prevention Plan 2021, the Disability Inclusion Plan and the soon-to-be-adopted Recreation, Open Space and Community Strategy.

“There is also a lot of on the ground work happening every day that’s helping us create the Wagga Wagga our community wants to live in, whether it’s improving playgrounds, building more footpaths or creating more accessible parking for people with mobility issues.”

Council is also working with its Wagga View partners to help achieve the goals of the Community Strategic Plan.

Borambola Sport and Recreation Centre has held new events for both seniors and “mums and bubs”, while Cricket NSW has held both multicultural and women’s cricket programs including the Women’s Big Bash League games at Robertson Oval.

Over the past year, Eastern Riverina Art has continued to support local artists through events, workshops, assisting with funding applications, exhibitions and more. Another Wagga View partner, Women in Business Wagga, has provided mentoring opportunities to local women as well as promoting their successes.

“Being a whole-of-community document, Wagga View isn’t just about what Council can do, it’s about what we can achieve by working together,” Cr Conkey said.

“Our community partners have achieved so much over the past year and I encourage groups, organisations and government agencies to come and speak with us about how we can build a better Wagga Wagga together.”

As part of Wagga View’s first anniversary, Council is currently overhauling its online community engagement portal. In the coming weeks the new site will transition from Your Say Wagga to Wagga View. Community members will be able to join the discussion about current issues and consultations, as well as see progress against the themes and strategies outlined in the Community Strategic Plan.