Councillors endorse revised Health and Knowledge Master Plan

A long-term vision to develop a Health and Knowledge Precinct in the heart of Wagga Wagga took a decisive step forward this week, with Councillors endorsing the revised Master Plan for the area.

The new Precinct Master Plan has incorporated changes suggested by the community during the community engagement activities and was approved by Council earlier this week.

The Master Plan outlines a 25 to 30-year vision for the area around Wagga’s two major hospitals and is designed to grow, and support, the city’s employment and educational opportunities.

Manager City Strategy Tristan Kell said the plan is to turn the precinct into a thriving, central activity hub for the key industry, in an effort to enhance current health services in Wagga and the Riverina while supporting the creation of new services. Mr Kell believes the revised Master Plan sets down a solid foundation for a strategically designed, mixed-use precinct centred around the city’s two major hospitals, Wagga Wagga Base Hospital and Calvary Riverina Hospital.

“Receiving approval for the Master Plan is a crucial step forward for the 50-hectare precinct, incorporating 144 medical specialists who live and practice in the area and two teaching universities,” Mr Kell said. “We are so grateful for all the community members who took the time to make a submission towards the Master Plan… it was fantastic to see the interest in this vital project for the city.”