Healthy discussion for draft precinct master plan

A long-term vision to plan for future development in Wagga Wagga’s health precinct will be back on the table for community discussion and feedback in the city next week.

The Health and Knowledge Precinct draft master plan was well received by more than 55 community members who attended an information drop-in session at Wagga Base Hospital on Wednesday.

Health professionals, local residents, visitors to the city, students, youth and the general community were among attendees at the drop-in session to speak with Council’s planning team.

Council’s Manager City Strategy Tristan Kell said the draft master plan presented well with various components of the vision being explained in greater detail relevant to specific areas.

“It’s important to remember this is a 25 to 30 year vision for the health precinct which gives structure to future planning and discourages ad-hoc development,” Mr Kell said.

“A large proportion of visitors were complimentary of the vision, commended the long-term thinking and welcomed bringing together agencies, private sector and tertiary institutions through a steering committee.

“We also welcomed the opportunity to address concerns and providing that feedback will assist in developing the master plan after the exhibition period.”

It was the first of three community engagement sessions Council has organised to give people an opportunity to provide feedback.

The next session will be at the Civic Centre on Wednesday 31 July 4pm-8pm, with a third drop-in at Wagga’s Marketplace on Saturday 17 August 9am-5pm.

The draft master plan is on public exhibition for 60 days until 9 September, with submissions closing on 16 September.

The draft master plan and the opportunity to provide feedback can be found at wagga.nsw.gov.au/healthprecinct