Wagga Wagga region showcased during Regional Cities NSW visit

Published: 07 Mar 2024 3:31pm

The shared challenges and solutions in growing regional cities have been in the spotlight in Wagga Wagga, during a visit by Mayors and Chief Executive Officers from regional cities across New South Wales.

Regional Cities NSW (RCNSW) was created to form a united voice to influence State Government policy and investment, with the aim of growing regional cities through increased regional infrastructure and investment.

Each year, it selects two cities to visit as part of its annual regional site tour program for the purposes of sharing local solutions and building stronger ties between cities.

This year, Wagga Wagga, Albury and Griffith City Councils combined to host the RCNSW visit, which kicked off in Albury on Wednesday (6 March) and headed to Wagga Wagga on Thursday (7 March).

Mayor of the City of Wagga Wagga Councillor Dallas Tout said he was thrilled the alliance chose to visit this region.

“Albury, Griffith and Wagga Wagga all have so much to offer in terms of our liveability, our business and industry opportunities and innovations, our vision for our cities’ futures and the projects and strategies we are developing to achieve those visions,” Cr Tout said.

“We’ve been able to showcase what is happening in our cities and some stand-out examples of strategic planning and investment in regional sites.

“Here in Wagga Wagga, this included visits to the Special Activation Precinct and the Riverina Intermodal Freight and Logistics Hub.”

The members also toured the 1st Recruit Training Battalion at Kapooka and Charles Sturt University's Digital Farm Complex.

Chair of Regional Cities NSW and Mayor of Dubbo Cr Mathew Dickerson said members were thrilled to have the opportunity to visit Albury and Wagga Wagga and to hear from Griffith.

“Regional cities are stronger when we work together, and this regional site tour is an important part of collective problem solving,” Cr Dickerson explained.

“Southern NSW is in hot demand as a regional migration destination, because these regional cities offer a strong sense of community, good public infrastructure, and a great lifestyle.

“Regional cities often have to think outside the square to deliver for their local community, and we are really looking forward to learning from the best-practice innovations on offer.”

RCNSW members have a combined population of 1 million people, or 12 per cent of the state’s population.