Wagga Wagga Special Activation Precinct Update
Committee 4 Wagga members have heard that Wagga Wagga’s Special Activation Precinct (SAP) is making solid progress.
The organisation’s members were joined by Regional Growth NSW Development Corporation (RGDC) representatives and key stakeholders for an information session at a business breakfast in Wagga Wagga on Thursday 20th October.
L-R: Committee 4 Wagga board member David Bardos, CEO Scott Sanbrook, board members Sam Beresford and Rebecca Hardy with Regional Growth NSW Development Corporation’s Michael Keys, Azaria Dobson and Brett Somerville.
The event was co-hosted by RGDC and Committee 4 Wagga.
RGDC Director of Planning Services Michael Keys and Director of Sustainability, Partnerships and Concierge Azaria Dobson addressed the meeting.
Michael discussed the recent sign-off of the delivery plan and outlined the planning pathway, highlighting what it means for local businesses and how it can assist them in their potential developments. He explained the approval processes for the SAP had been expedited by the Master Plans which have been put in place with Wagga Wagga City Council (WWCC).
The ability to deliver quicker project consent had resulted in the Wagga Wagga SAP being further advanced than similar precincts in other locations.
Michael added that the concierge component of the SAP was a major bonus for prospective investors.
Additionally, existing Bomen businesses seeking expansion or growth have the capabilities to tap into the SAP framework and accelerate processing for applications and concierge services.
Azaria presented on the journey of the Wagga Wagga SAP to this stage and what the future holds. She also focused on the opportunities arising from a circular economy and partnerships, which will assist both the businesses and the precinct to reach their potential.
WWCC director of regional activation John Sidgwick told the meeting that council was investigating ways to meet the housing demand for key workers and consideration would be given to mid-term sites such as CBD development with higher density, as well as flexibility around Local Environmental and Development Control plans.
The Wagga Wagga SAP is comprised of five stages, with infrastructure funding committed to the end of Stage A and B. Stage A is forecast to be finalised by the end of 2023, while B is expected to be completed in 2025.
Those who attended were happy to be included in further updates and provided considered feedback to RGDC about the issues most pressing to them and the community.