From the CEO's Desk

Welcome to the December edition of our member newsletter.

This last twelve months has seen the Board & Executive continued to focus its attention on those issues that our members told us were important for them, such as:-

1. Maintaining our advocacy profile & effectiveness, communicating to members and providing high standard leadership programs

2. Continuing our focus on progressing key infrastructure projects including,

·         Completion of the CBD levee bank

·         Addressing the road infrastructure – By-pass, Gobbagombalin Bridge, Glenfield Rd

·         Completion of RiFL; and the

·         Riverside Precinct

3. Addressing the increased desire for community engagement infrastructure and activities, including:-

·         Enhanced walkways/tracks/CBD pedestrian facilities & revitalization of the CBD

·         Lake Albert enhancement

·         More Festivals & Events; and

·         Embracing Smart City technology

4. Taking the NSW Government’s 20Yr Economic Vision for Regional NSW with Wagga Wagga being identified as a Growth Centre; growing the city to a population of 100,000 people by 2038; creating in excess of 10,000 new jobs and bringing this Vision into the public domain to drive momentum within the community.

In doing so, there has been significant advocacy undertaken with all levels of government to drive momentum in securing good policy direction as well as commitment for funding key infrastructure projects – evidence of which is seen with construction activities around the city this year and further significant construction to commence in 2020-21.

Collaboration with all levels of Government and their respective Departments continue to strengthen.  Post the Wagga Wagga 100,000 seminar, Committee 4 Wagga entered into discussions with the NSW Government (Department of Planning, Industry & Environment), Dr Joe McGirr Member for Wagga Wagga and Wagga Wagga City Council with the aim of formulating a collaborative workgroup to progress Wagga Wagga towards the Growth Centre targets.  We anticipate an outcome to these discussions early in 2020.

During 2019, the Committee 4 Wagga has been invited to contribute to numerous significant government initiatives, the delivery of which will address a number of our members high priority Strategic Plan projects, including:-

·         Inland Rail (Federal) – for our logistics connectivity to the world

·         Digital Connectivity Scoping Study (State) – to enhance our digital connectivity to facilitate economic growth & diversity

·         Transport for NSW Wagga Wagga Place Planning (State)– to address deficiencies in our road network and for future growth planning & delivery

·         Wagga Wagga (Local & State) – Growth Centre & Accelerated Growth to 100,000 People

·         Special Activation Precinct (Local & State) – to fast track investment &economic growth; attract industry & jobs to Wagga Wagga

·         Health & Knowledge Precinct (Local) – to futureproof our health precinct capacity

·         Local Infrastructure Contributions Plan (Local) – to provide developers with alignment on property development contributions made to Council

I would encourage members to visit our web page to review details of the status of the projects which underpin our strategic plan.  These project updates can be found at https://committee4wagga.com.au/projects

We have recently finalized our Business Plan for 2020.  This Plan will provide the focus for the Board and Executive over the coming twelve months and introduce numerous formats for Members to network, contribute and engage with government and other businesses.  Information from the Wagga Wagga 100,000 seminar has been captured and will also inform our advocacy & engagement activities.  We are also looking at the delivery of Leadership programs in 2020 and onwards and assessing available options against the future needs of our City and our members (see separate article).

Put simply, Committee for Wagga will deliver on our core objectives by focusing its resources and advocacy on policy & infrastructure, member engagement and leadership development to deliver benefits for the city and region in the “Four Pillars” of People, Community, Connectivity and Economic Development.

Members can look forward to being engaged throughout the year by the Board and Executive in structured member initiatives to participate in and directly inform our advocacy efforts based on the Four Pillars.

I would like to acknowledge the contribution made by our outgoing Board Members – Lincoln Kennedy, Scott Brown, Darren Nelson and Colin Duff and welcome Richard Allsopp, Richard Pottie, Justeen Kirk, David Bardos and Shaun Duffy to the Board of Management (see separate article).

 Finally, and most importantly, I would like to thank our Members for their ongoing commitment and financial support to ensure we bring about positive change for the City of Wagga Wagga.  2020 promises to be an exciting year for our city and our organization.  We look forward to engaging with members to assist us with framing our advocacy efforts as we work with key stakeholders to steer our city towards our vision of a vibrant, welcoming and growing City.

 Wish you all a relaxing Christmas and happy and safe New Year.

 Regards,

Alan Johnston, CEO