Community Strategic Plan - 2011-2021

Community Strategic Plan 1

Community Strategic Plan 32 Community Strategic Plan

Contents

Community Vision and Values 2

Statement of Commitment to Aboriginal Australians 2

Mayor and General Managers Message 4

Elected Representatives 5

Profile of Wagga Wagga 8

Our Planning Process / Our Organisation 9

2011/21 Community Strategic Plan Objectives and Strategies 11

Participatory Democracy and Decisive Leadership 12

A Community with Health and Wellbeing 16

Viable and Connected Rural and Urban Communities 20

A Rich and Vibrant Culture 24

A Prosperous, Diverse and Growing Economy 28

A Sustainable Environment 32

Our Education, Learning and Training Industry Makes the Difference 36

Living in Wagga Wagga gives you all the services and facilities of bigger cities with none of the ‘big city’ drawbacks.

There are diverse choices and opportunities here in every sector – health, education, agriculture, business, sport, recreation, arts and culture.

This way of life is further enriched by our environment – the magnificent Murrumbidgee River, our cultural heart, a rich rural landscape and our City’s heritage. We have much to be thankful for and to offer others.

2010 Community Survey Comments

Community Vision and Values

Vision‘A thriving, innovative, connected community on the Murrumbidgee, rich in opportunity, choice, learning and environment, where paths cross, where people meet’

Community ValuesTogether Wagga Wagga will:

‘Live and lead with courage, compassion and commitment. Think and act with respect, beyond ourselves, beyond today’

Statement of Commitment to Aboriginal Australians

Council acknowledges and respects that Aboriginal people were the first people of this land and the Wiradjuri people were the first regional custodians of the Wagga Wagga Local Government Area. This recognition includes acceptance of the rights and responsibilities of Aboriginal people to participate in decision making.

Council acknowledges the shared responsibility of all Australians to respect and encourage the development of an awareness and appreciation of each others heritage and origin. In so doing, Council recognises and respects the heritage, culture, sacred sites and special places of Aboriginal people.

Council is committed to developing programs to improve the wellbeing of all City of Wagga Wagga residents as well as facilitating reconciliation between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people.

Council recognises that social justice and reconciliation are fundamental to achieving positive changes. Council will continue to actively encourage Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people to work together for a just, harmonious and progressive society.

Council recognises the richness of Aboriginal cultures and values in promoting social diversity within the community.


Message from the Mayor and General Manager

Welcome to the Wagga Wagga Community Strategic Plan for 2011-2021. Along with This Way Wagga – Vision 2030, this plan will guide the direction of the whole Wagga Wagga community into the future.

This plan has been a collaborative effort with invaluable contribution from the community, Councillors and staff during 2009 and 2010. Information was sourced from a variety of stakeholder groups, community members and community partners and also includes links to the key strategic directions from the NSW State Plan.

This plan considers the breadth of services within our community as well as the Quadruple Bottom Line – Social, Economic, Environment and Civic Leadership. The plan contains a number of Objectives with Strategies designed to achieve these Objectives and relevant measures that will determine if the outcomes have been achieved.

By working effectively and collaboratively together, the whole community can achieve our overall Vision for the future. Significant consideration has been given to the long term challenges facing communities including infrastructure upkeep, community participation and sustainable living for the future.

We commend this Community Strategic Plan to you as a sound, viable and comprehensive plan which will guide the community towards achieving its potential. We thank you all for your efforts in sharing our vision for Wagga Wagga.

Wayne Geale OAM Phil PinyonMayor General Manager

Elected Representatives

The Council is a body of eleven members who are elected for a four year term to carry out duties under the provisions of the Local Government Act 1993 and Regulations. The Mayor and Deputy Mayor are elected annually in September by the Councillors at a full meeting of the Council.

Deputy Mayor Alan Brown

Mayor Wayne Geale OAM

Councillor Donna Argus was first elected to Council in 2008.

Cr Argus is a member of the following Council Committees:

• Planning Standing Committee (Chairperson)

• Environment & Community Standing Committee

• Commercial & Economic Standing Committee (Alternate Member)

• Honours Committee

• Wagga Wagga Interim Joint Planning Panel (Alternate Member)

External organisations and committees:

• Riverina Regional Libraries

Mobile: 0407 218 101

Email: [email protected]

Councillor Donna Argus

Councillor Yvonne Braid was first elected to Council in 2008.

Cr Braid is a member of the following Council Committees:

• Corporate Governance Standing Committee (Deputy Chairperson)

• Environment & Community Standing Committee (Deputy Chairperson)

• Infrastructure Services Standing Committee (Alternate Member)


External organisations & committees:


Home: 02 6921 4556 Mobile: 0402 214 556 Office: 02 6921 1022


Councillor Yvonne Braid

Councillor Ray Goodlass

Councillor Ray Goodlass was first elected to Council in 2008.

Cr Goodlass is a member of the following Council Committees:

• Environment & Community Standing Committee (Chairperson)

• Planning Standing Committee





• Murray Darling Association

• Public Libraries

• Riverina Water County Council

Home: 02 6931 7192 Office: 02 6921 9353 Mobile: 0412 363 718Email: [email protected]

Phil Pinyon General Manager

Councillor Wayne Geale OAM was first elected to Council in 2008.

Cr Geale is a member of the following Council Committees:

• Commercial and Economic Standing Committee (Chairperson)




• Lake Albert Community Committee


Home: 02 6926 6510 Mobile: 0407 266 515Email: [email protected]

Councillor Alan Brown was first elected to Council in 2008 and was elected Deputy Mayor in 2010.

Cr Brown is a member of the following Council Committees:

• Infrastructure Standing Committee (Chairperson)

• Corporate Governance Standing Committee

• Planning Standing Committee (Alternate Member)



• Rural Fire Service Zone Agreement Management Committee


Home: 02 6928 4205 Mobile: 0409 284 205



Elected Representatives Elected Representatives

Councillor Garry Hiscock was first elected to Council in 2008.

Cr Hiscock is a member of the following Council Committees:

• Commercial & Economic Standing Committee

• Corporate Governance Standing Committee (Chairperson)

• Environment and Community Standing Committee (Alternate)


External organisations & Committees:

• Local Traffic Committee

Home: 02 6925 7171 Office: 02 6921 2458 Mobile: 0402 885 669


Councillor Garry Hiscock Councillor Clint Uden

Councillor Kevin Wales was first elected to Council in 1995 and has served continually since that date.

Cr Wales was elected Mayor in 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002 & 2003.

Cr Wales is a member of the following Council Committees:

• Corporate Governance Standing Committee




• Commercial and Economic Development Standing Committee (Alternate Member)


• North South Rail Corridor

Home: 02 6931 5155 Mobile: 0457 715 155Email: [email protected]

Councillor Rod Kendall was first elected to Council in 2004 and has served continually since that date.

Cr Kendall is a member of the following Council Committees:

• Infrastructure Standing Committee (Alternate)

• Commercial & Economic Standing Committee (Deputy Chairperson)

• Planning Standing Committee (Deputy Chairperson)


• Audit & Risk Committee

• Wagga Wagga Interim Joint Planning Panel


• Bushfire Management Committee



Home: 02 6922 5563 Mobile: 0467 552 263


Councillor Rod Kendall

Councillor Kerry Pascoe was first elected to Council in 2004 and has served continually since that date.

Cr Pascoe was elected Mayor in 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2009

Cr Pascoe is a member of the following Council Committees:

• Commercial and Economic Standing Committee (Chairperson)

• Corporate Governance Standing Committee (Alternate Member)




• Australia Day Committee

• Eastern Riverina Noxious Weeds Committee

• Lake Albert Community Committee

• Riverina Conservatorium


• Wagga Wagga Tidy Towns

Home: 02 6931 0664 Mobile: 0408 692 306


Councillor Kerry Pascoe

Councillor Lindsay Vidler was first elected to Council in 1991 and has served continually since that date.

Cr Vidler was elected Deputy Mayor in 1999, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2008 and 2009

Cr Vidler is a member of the following Council Committees:

• Environment and Community Standing Committee (Alternate)


• Commercial and Economic Development Standing Committee

• Infrastructure Services Standing Committee



Home: 02 6922 4806 Mobile: 0412 694 254 Email: [email protected]

Councillor Lindsay Vidler

Councillor Clint Uden was first elected to Council in 2008.

Cr Uden is a member of the following Council Committees:

• Commercial & Economic Standing Committee


• Corporate Governance Standing Committee (Alternate Member)

• Infrastructure Standing Committee (Deputy Chairperson)



• Riverina Conservatorium (Reserve member)

Mobile: 0416 335 532 Email: [email protected]

Councillor Kevin Wales


Our City• Wagga Wagga, the largest inland city in New South Wales, is situated at a junction of major transport routes midway between

Sydney and Melbourne. The Local Government Area (LGA) occupies an area of 4,866 square kilometres, made up of the City of Wagga Wagga and the villages of Collingullie, Currawarna, Galore, Humula, Ladysmith, Mangoplah, Oura, Tarcutta, Uranquinty and surrounding farmland

• 17.3 % of the population is under the age of 11. The 17-24 year age group constitutes 13.5% of Wagga’s population as opposed to 9.2% for NSW

• 6.7% of people were born overseas and 3.5% of people are from non-English speaking backgrounds

• 4.1% of Wagga Wagga’s population is Aboriginal

• The current population growth rate is 1.6% pa which compares very favourably with the NSW State population growth rate of 0.9%

• The Wagga Wagga population has grown 7.3% since 2001 to 62,904 in 2009

• There are 25,592 rateable properties in Wagga Wagga

Our Community• Wagga holds an abundance of festivals and events including the Wagga Wagga Jazz and Blues Festival, the Gold Cup Festival

and the Wagga Wagga Food and Wine Festival as well as the recently returned Gumi Race

• The city has a number of contemporary galleries and museums including the National Art Glass Collection and the Museum of the Riverina

• The education and training sector provides both services and employment opportunities to many people throughout the region. Charles Sturt University (as well as the presence of other university’s), a regional Institute of TAFE, a community college, nine high schools, and many primary schools, preschools and child care services

• Due to its large Aboriginal population, Wagga Wagga is also the location for several key Aboriginal organisations and specific government agencies

• Wagga Wagga has a diverse employment base including strengths in education, services, defence, manufacturing, construction, food services sectors, the transport industry and agriculture

• All three arms of the Defence force have a strong presence in the local area

• Wagga Wagga is an important health centre servicing the southern region of NSW. There is a major regional hospital and a private hospital operating in the city

Profile of Wagga Wagga

The Local Government Area of Wagga Wagga is part of the Murrumbidgee region in the heartland of the beautiful New South Wales Riverina. Wagga Wagga is a key industry and administration centre for the wider region and provides a wide range of community and cultural services and infrastructure. In recent years, Wagga Wagga has grown to become one of the largest inland cities of regional Australia and has a unique combination of established industry, existing infrastructure and quality of life that will enable future growth and prosperity.

STATISTIC PERIOD INDICATORANNUAL

CHANGE %

Population (No.) 2009 62,904 1.6%

Labour Force (No.) Mar Q 2010 32,608 1.1%

Unemployment Rate (%) Mar Q 201010 4.2% -0.2%

Gross Regional Product ($M) 2008-09 $3,382.6 2.0%

KEY INDUSTRY SECTORS

Property and Business Services ($M) 2008-09 $322.7 2.6%

Manufacturing ($M) 2008-09 $283.3 -4.0%

Financial and Insurance Services ($M) 2008-09 $252.1 1.8%

Health Care and Social Assistance ($M) 2008-09 $251.1 3.9%

Delivery Program (4 yrs)

Operational Plan (1yr)

Ongoing monitoring, evaluation and review

Community Strategic Plan(10 years)

This Way Wagga - Vision 2030

Ongoing Reporting

Annual Report

Our Planning Process

Integrated Planning and ReportingThe Integrated Planning and Reporting (IPR) framework for local councils, introduced during 2009, has been developed to help councils strengthen community participation in decision making, reduce duplication and strengthen local government’s strategic focus. A number of plans, in the form of documents, make up the IPR Framework:

This Way Wagga - Vision 2030This Way Wagga - Vision 2030 includes a vision and values to shape future directions which lead to strategies to achieve the vision. This Way Wagga Vision 2030 is a community owned document and can only be implemented by the community working together to achieve the future described.

Community Strategic Plan: Engagement StrategyCouncils must prepare an Engagement Strategy that outlines how the community can be involved in the development of the Community Strategic Plan.

Community Strategic Plan – this documentThe Community Strategic Plan is a 10 year plan with high level Objectives for the community to achieve and Strategies that guide how to achieve them. These Objectives must be balanced across Social, Economic, Environment and Civic Leadership issues and must involve the community in its preparation. At the end of the elected term for Councillors, a report on how the Objectives within the Community Strategic Plan were achieved (via the Delivery Program) must be prepared for the community to review.

Resourcing Plans• Workforce Plan

• Asset Managment Plan• Long Term Financial Plan


2011-21 Community Strategic Plan Items

In accordance with the IPR legislation, Council is required to ensure that the Community Strategic Plan is based on Social Justice Principles (equity, access, participation, rights). In addition, the Community Strategic Plan must address the Quadruple Bottom Line (QBL - Social, Environmental, Economic and Civic Leadership) in an integrated manner. Therefore, each Community Strategic Plan item presented in this document includes also a representation of its alignment with each of these QBL areas.

The Community Strategic Plan must contain:

• High level Objectives based on community feedback (What goals/aspirations do you have?)

• Strategies to achieve those Objectives (How, at a high level, will we achieve the goal?)

• Some way to measure that the strategy and objective have been achieved (How will we know we did it?)

• Responsibility for the strategy (Who will be responsible for working on and delivering this Strategy)

When developing Council’s Delivery Program (what Council will deliver to achieve elements of the Community Strategic Plan), it is important to identify specific actions which Council will take to meet the strategic initiatives identified in this document. In addition, each action item will require assessment against not only the Social Justice principles, but also the dimensions of the QBL – that is, only actions which support one or more dimensions can be included (indeed, any action which may support one dimension but oppose another must be excluded from the Plan).

The eight Future Directions identified in This Way Wagga - Vision 2030 form the basis of the Community Strategic Plan:

1. Participatory democracy and decisive leadership2. A community with health and wellbeing3. Viable and connected rural and urban communities4. A rich and vibrant cultural centre5. A prosperous, diverse and growing economy6. A sustainable environment7. A strong identity8. Our education, learning and training industry makes

the difference

Based on the extensive engagement already conducted, these Future Directions and their accompanying strategies have been distilled to provide a meaningful and relevant set of Objectives and Strategies which are the backbone of our Community Strategic Plan:

1. Participatory democracy and decisive leadership2. A community with health and wellbeing3. Viable and connected rural and urban communities4. A rich and vibrant culture5. A prosperous, diverse and growing economy6. A sustainable environment7. Our education, learning and training industry makes

the difference

How to read the Community Strategic Plan

Within this document, stakeholders and their roles are identified as it is important to note who is responsible for delivering the identified strategies. These roles are shown in the body of the document as abbreviations, which are defined below:

(L) – Leader The stakeholder’s role is to lead the delivery of the strategy through active leadership and provision of skilled and appropriate resources

(P) – Partner The stakeholder’s role is to work with the leader to assist in direct delivery of the strategy through provision of appropriate and skilled resources

(F) – Facilitator The stakeholder’s role is to assist the delivery of the strategy via clearing the path and aiding the leader/partner in their delivery of the strategy

(A) - Advocate The stakeholder’s role is to lobby and promote the issue to assist the lead/partner stakeholders to deliver the strategy and achieve the objective

(C) – Contributor The stakeholder’s role is to contribute to delivering the strategy

Our Planning Process

Our Organisation

MAYOR AND COUNCILLORS

GENERAL MANAGER

COMMERCIAL & ECONOMIC

DEVELOPMENT

PLANNING SERVICES

INFRASTRUCTURE SERVICES

ENVIRONMENT & COMMUNITY SERVICES

CORPORATE SERVICES

• Service Planning• Procurement Services• Civil Infrastructure

Services• Waste & Stormwater

• Strategic Land Use Planning

• Subdivision Management• Development & Review of

LEP / DCP• Development Assessment• Building Control• Compliance

• Economic Development• Tourism• Council Business• Property Management

The Internal Audit function, Media, Marketing and Communications and Directors report to the General Manager. The General Manager leads the employees and is directly responsible to the elected Council. The General Manager is responsible for the day-to-day management of the whole organisation.

• Corporate Strategy• Information &

Communication• Finance• People and Culture• Corporate

Governance

• Biodiversity/Natural Resource Management

• Regulatory Services• Parks and Recreation • Cultural Services• Social Planning• Riverina Regional Library• Oasis Aquatic Centre

Resourcing StrategiesThe Resourcing Strategies consist of the Long Term Financial Plan, Asset Management Plan and Workforce Plan (money, assets and people) and plans for how the Council-relevant Objectives identified in the Community Strategic Plan will be delivered.

Delivery ProgramCouncil’s Delivery Program is essentially a Statement of Commitment from the elected Council body as to what will be delivered in the Council term. The Delivery Program is directly linked to the Objectives in the Community Strategic Plan and are the items which are relevant to Council’s operations. It is developed every four years following the local government election and must be reviewed for currency each year.

Operational PlanThe Operational Plan identifies the specific actions (the ‘hows’) which will be undertaken to achieve the Objectives in the Community Strategic Plan. It is linked to the Delivery Program and includes a detailed annual budget.

The Council of the City of Wagga Wagga is organised into five Directorates:

Community Vision Statement ‘A thriving, innovative, connected community, on the Murrumbidgee, rich in opportunity, choice, learning and environment, where paths cross, where people meet’

Community Values Together Wagga Wagga will:

• Live and lead with courage, compassion and commitment

• Think and act with respect, beyond ourselves, beyond today


We can all participate in making our future come to life...


Wagga Wagga is an engaged community. We enjoy being informed, having a say, sharing ideas and getting involved in decisions that matter.

Leadership across all sectors of the community is decisive and issues are dealt with cooperatively and promptly.

We work with our neighbours and all levels of government and our contribution is valued.

Participatory Democracy and Decisive Leadership

Community OutcomeEveryone has the opportunity to have their say about the way things happen in the greater Wagga Wagga community.

The decision-makers in the community make decisions which are efficient, informed, high quality and in the best interests

of the whole community.

STRATEGY MEASURE WHO

SO

CIA

L

EN

VIR

ON

ME

NT

EC

ON

OM

IC

CIV

IC

LEA

DE

RS

HIP

1.1. Encourage our community to be engaged, involved and informed about decisions impacting them

• Confidence in elected Council

• Engaged community• Delivering on

projects• Effective advisory

committees

Council (L)Government agencies (L)Schools (P)Media (P) )Police (P) Non-Government Organisations (NGO’s) (P)Sporting and community groups (PBusiness/Industry (P)The whole community (C)

1.2. Develop Wagga Wagga as a regional leader with a strong identity

• Strong recognition and usage of city brand

• Strong relationships with state and federal governments

Council (L)Education institutions (P)Defence Force (Wagga based) (P)State/Federal agencies (P)Non-Government Organisations (NGO’s) (P)Service providers (P)Business/Industry (P)

1.3. Lead the community with responsible, sustainable, effective, efficient and customer-focussed organisations

• Responsible financial management and Project Management

• High level of customer satisfaction

• Delivering on projects

Council (L)State/Federal Agencies (L)Community (P)Business/Industry (P)Service providers (P)

Council Meeting, Civic Precinct, Wagga Wagga

L - Leader P - Partner F - Facilitator A - Advocate C - Contributor See page 11 for more details


We look after our health and wellbeing...


A Community with Health and Wellbeing

Community OutcomeThe medical services available in Wagga Wagga make us a regional health centre, and our community take responsibility for their own well-being through our varied opportunities. We have many recreational facilities which encourage strong participation in sport and fitness activities. People with special needs are cared for, the community is safe and there are a range of affordable housing options.


SO

CIA

L

EN

VIR

ON

ME

NT

EC

ON

OM

IC

CIV

IC

LEA

DE

RS

HIP

2.1 Ensure health and support services address the needs of all sectors in the community

• Services and programs are relevant, responsive and integrated

Murrumbidgee Local health Network (L) Riverina Division General Practice (P)Health and Allied Service Providers (P)Non-Government Organisations (NGO’s) (P)Federal Dept of Health (F)

2.2 Promote fun, exercise and fitness as a way of life in Wagga Wagga

• A community with health and wellbeing

• Reduction of chronic illness

Council (L)NSW Department of Sport and Recreation (P)Sporting, volunteer and community groups (P)Sporting associations (P)Transport providers (P)Education providers (P)Recreation service providers (P)Non-Government Organisations (NGO’s) (P)Health funds (C)

2.3 Implement programs to help people feel safe at home and in public spaces

• Improved perceptions of community safety

• Vialbe policy function and presence

Police (L)Council (L)Schools (C)Department of Community Services (P)Public transport providers (P)Social welfare groups (P)Community groups (P)Licensed venues (P)Non-Government Organisations (NGO’s) (P)Media (A)


SO

CIA

L

EN

VIR

ON

ME

NT

EC

ON

OM

IC

CIV

IC

LEA

DE

RS

HIP

2.4 Keep our community spaces clean and healthy

• Appropriate waste management options

• High presentation of public facilities and parks

Council (L) Police (P)State government (P)Volunteer organisations (P)Community groups (P)Business/Industry (P)Service groups/clubs (P)Schools (P)Tidy Towns (F)

2.5 Provide a variety of housing options

• A wide range of options are available for the community across the life cycle

Housing NSW (L) Council (L) Department of Community Services (P)Developers (P)Real Estate agencies (P)Non-Government Organisations (NGO’s) (P)Planning NSW (F)

2.6 Ensure that a range of services, facilities and programs are available for people of all ages and abilities to enjoy

• Community harmony and celebration of diversity

• Opportunities to connect across the life cycle

Council (L)Department of Sport and Recreation (L)Sporting groups, associations and clubs (P)Community groups (P)Private fitness operators / groups (P)Tourism operators (P)Aged and other care facilities (P)Schools/educational providers (P)Volunteer organisations (P)Spiritual organisations (P)Non-Government Organisations (NGO’s) (P)Community members (C)

2.7 Promote environmentally sustainable principles for healthy living

• Environmental sustainability

• Community has access to community gardens

Council (L)Environmental agencies (L)Medical fraternity (P)State/Federal Government (P)Service Providers (P)L - Leader P - Partner F - Facilitator A - Advocate C - Contributor See page 11 for more details


We are one community...


Viable and Connected Rural and Urban Communities

Community Outcome

Everyone feels part of the Wagga Wagga Local Government Area, whether you live in our villages, rural areas or in the suburbs. People are connected and a sense of community is enjoyed throughout greater Wagga Wagga

Wagga Wagga urban area


SO

CIA

L

EN

VIR

ON

ME

NT

EC

ON

OM

IC

CIV

IC

LEA

DE

RS

HIP

3.1 Assist all communities, rural and suburban, to have a soul

• Sense of belonging, connected, unique identity

Council (L) Police (C)Progress Associations (P)Volunteer organisations (P)Community groups / Community members (C)

3.2 Improve and maintain local community facilities

• Renewal and maintenance of facilities

• Connected communities

• Increased usage

Council (L)State government (L)Progress Associations and volunteer groups (P)Service clubs (P) Community members (C)

3.3 Foster a strong spirit of volunteering

• Community feel they are involved in their own destiny

Volunteer groups (L) Non-Government Organisations (NGO’s) (P)Schools (P) Council (F)

3.4 Provide innovative service delivery to isolated areas

• Improved quality of life

• Increased access to services

Council (L)State agencies (L)Federal agencies (L)Community groups (P)Business/industry (P)

3.5 Facilitate equal access for residents to community and government services and facilities

• Equal opportunity for access

Federal government (L)State government (L)Council (L) Telecommunications providers (P)Non-Government Organisations (NGO’s) (P)Training organisations (P)


SO

CIA

L

EN

VIR

ON

ME

NT

EC

ON

OM

IC

CIV

IC

LEA

DE

RS

HIP

3.6 Provide appropriate transport options to enable movement within and outside the community

• Peole can move throughout the Local Government Area

Council (L)Developers (P)Transport providers (P)Business/industry (P)Federal/State government (P)Community groups (P)

L - Leader P - Partner F - Facilitator A - Advocate C - Contributor See page 11 for more details L - Leader P - Partner F - Facilitator A - Advocate C - Contributor See page 11 for more details


Our cultural heritage shapes our future and we are a cultural centre beyond our borders...


Restaurant Scene, Wagga Wagga

The arts thrive and Wagga Wagga is the regional centre for culture in all its forms.

The area is known for its fine wine and dining experiences.

The River precinct is our heart and we enjoy a rich program of cultural and sporting events.

Our cultural heritage and diversity is celebrated.

Our new cultural centre is a ‘keeping place’ for a rich Aboriginal heritage and traditions. There is performance, exhibitions and learning for all.

A Rich and Vibrant Culture

Community Outcome

The arts thrive and Wagga Wagga is the regional centre for culture in all its forms.


SO

CIA

L

EN

VIR

ON

ME

NT

EC

ON

OM

IC

CIV

IC

LEA

DE

RS

HIP

4.1 Promote and facilitate a thriving regional arts community

• Recognised high profile arts community

• Opportunities for a diverse range of cultural expression

Arts community (L)Education/training providers (P) Cultural groups (P)Council (F)Media (A)

4.2 Develop the river as Wagga Wagga’s cultural heart

• A vibrant, healthy and active riverside precinct

Council (L) Aboriginal community (L)Environmental groups (P)Cultural groups (P)Community groups (P)

4.3 Facilitate the development of Wagga Wagga as a major cultural centre and develop a ‘keeping place’ for our heritage

• A community that values its heritage

• Wagga Wagga recognised as a major cultural centre

• Increased awareness

Aboriginal community (L)Arts and cultural groups (P)Business/industry(P)Council (F)

4.4 Develop Wagga Wagga as a centre for entertainment, retail, dining, recreation and leisure, catering for all ages

• Vibrant healthy business, leisure and entertainment precinct

Business/industry (P)Service providers (P)Police (P)Council (F)



Our economy thrives thanks to our diverse industries...


Development of Bomen Business Park, Bomen

A Prosperous, Diverse and Growing Economy

Community Outcome

Wagga Wagga’s economy extends across a number of industries and supports the prosperity of our community. The economy remains balanced and able to withstand global and national ups and downs. Wagga Wagga is the first choice for organisations wishing to decentralise and our tourism industry thrives.


SO

CIA

L

EN

VIR

ON

ME

NT

EC

ON

OM

IC

CIV

IC L

EA

DE

RS

HIP

5.1 Stimulate prosperity through economic development strategies

• Improved level of household incomes

• A sustained, diverse economy that is reslient to market fluctuations

Council (L)Business/industry (P)Transport providers (P)State/Federal Government (P)

5.2 Attract a range of industries via connected business hubs

• Investments in infrastructure

• Newly established interconnected businesses

Council (L)Federal/state government (P)Infrastructure and utilities service providers (P)Developers (P)Business/industry (P)

5.3 Increase levels of visitation by tourist and business people

• Increased visitation rates

Council (L)Tourism NSW (L)Tourism operators (P) Business/industry/sporting/community groups (P)Evocities (F)Chamber of Commerce (A)

5.4 Implement leading edge infrastructure and communication technology to link everyone within and outside Wagga Wagga

• More efficient ways of doing business

Council (L)Federal/State government (L)Infrastructure and utilities service providers (P)Developers (P)Business/industry (P)


SO

CIA

L

EN

VIR

ON

ME

NT

EC

ON

OM

IC

CIV

IC L

EA

DE

RS

HIP

5.5 Grow our agricultural sector

• Increase in Gross Domestic Product from local agriculture

• Growth of agricultural products using less input and outputs

NSW Industry and Investment (L)Industry bodies (P)Service providers (P)Research facilities (P)Council (F)Land users/farmers (C)

5.6 Provide employment opportunities for all

• Employment opportunies increased for all demographics

• Youth ability to gain work locally without leaving town

Business/Industry (L) Service providers (P)State/federal governments (P)Council (F)Regional Development Australia (F)



We look after our environment and it looks after us...


A Sustainable Environment

Community Outcome

We live lightly on our environment and we continuously improve systems and practices to become a leader in sustainable environmental management. We lead the way in approaches to water use and conservation


SO

CIA

L

EN

VIR

ON

ME

NT

EC

ON

OM

IC

CIV

IC

LEA

DE

RS

HIP

6.1 Effectively manage the natural environment

• Healthy community and environment

• Increased biodiversity• A sustainable

environment

Council (L)NSW Department of Environment,Climate Change and Water(L)Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities (L)Schools (P)Developers (P)Business and industry (P)Whole of community (C)

6.2 Develop and promote agricultural practices which are leading edge and environmentally responsible

• Improved agricultural technology

• Increased number of property vegetations plans

• Improved productivity

Department of Industry and Investment (L)NSW Department of Environment, Climate Change and Water(L)Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities (L)Farmers (P)Charles Sturt University (P)Catchment Management Authorities (P)Council (A)

6.3 Integrate management strategies to encourage water conservation and enhance and protect water quality

• Water quality is maintained

• Reduced potable water consumption

• Water Sensitive Urban Design Principles implemented

Riverina Water (L) Council (L)NSW Departnment of Environment ,Climate Change and Water(L)Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities (L)Business/industry (P)Community (C)

6.4 Develop sustainable built and natural environments for current and future generations through effective land-use management and planning

• Increase in environmentally sustainable buildings

• Reduced land degradation

• Sustainable community

Council (L)NSW Departnment of Environment,Climate Change and Water(L)Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities (L)Business/Industry (P)Developers (P)


SO

CIA

L

EN

VIR

ON

ME

NT

EC

ON

OM

IC

CIV

IC

LEA

DE

RS

HIP

6.5 Minimise the ecological footprint by reducing resource consumption and implementing effective waste management strategies

• Reduction in waste to landfill

• reduction in carbon emissions from landfill

Council (L)NSW Department of Environment,Climate Change and Water(L)Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities (L)Education providers (P)Waste service providers (P)Recycling service providers (P)

6.6 Improve ambient air quality and reduce both energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions across the Local Government area

• Improved air quality• Reduced greenhouse

gas emissions• Reduced energy

consumption

Council (L)NSW Department of Environment,Climate Change and Water(L)Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities (L)

6.7 Lead sustainable environmental practices

• Wagga Wagga demonstrates sustainable principles

Riverina Water (L)NSW Department of Environment,Climate Change and Water(L)Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities (L)Council (L) Charles Sturt University (P)Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) (P)NSW Catchment Management Authority (P)Land and Property Management Authority (P)Industry & Investment NSW (P)

Community Garden, Wagga Wagga



Our education and learning industry sets us apart...


Our Education, Learning and Training Industry makes the Difference

Community Outcome

Wagga Wagga has a full range of learning facilities – pre-schools, schools, universities, TAFE, training organisations and the Defence training centres.

Australian Airline Pilot Academy, Wagga Wagga


SO

CIA

L

EN

VIR

ON

ME

NT

EC

ON

OM

IC

CIV

IC

LEA

DE

RS

HIP

7.1 Develop and promote Wagga Wagga as a centre of learning excellence

• Youth able to stay in Wagga Wagga to gain qualifications in broad range of disciplines

• Attraction of external students

NSW Department of Education and Training (L)Educational/learning institutions (P)Defence (P)Business/industry (P)Service providers (P)Federal government (F)Media (A)Students (C)

7.2 Develop a culture of lifelong community education and learning

• A learning community

NSW Department of Education and Training (L) Education providers (P)Community colleges (P)Community organizations (P)Federal government (P)Health providers (P)Police (P)Volunteers (P)Council (F)

7.3 Grow our education, learning and training industry through partnering with stakeholders

• A networked community with increased collaboration

State/Federal government (L) Business/industry (P)Education providers (P)Police (P)Council (F)Evocities (F)

7.4 Develop and promote Wagga Wagga as a centre for research and innovation

• A learning city• Recognition for

our research and innovation

Educational institutions (L)Research institutions (L) NSW Department of Primary Industries(P)Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation CSIRO (P)Business/Industry (P) State/Federal government (F)

We are a community of lifelong learners.

People from around the world come to Wagga Wagga to study with us.


Thank you for contributing to the Community Strategic Plan and helping the community reach their Objectives.

For more information on how you can contribute to the Community Strategic Plan please see www.wagga.nsw.gov.au or

phone City of Wagga Wagga on 1300 292 442

Documents

Community Strategic Plan - 2011-2021