Riverina Economic Development Officer Forum February 2023

Bomen’s Special Activation Precinct (SAP) continues to attract the interest of business operators globally and Australia wide.

That was the message received by more than 60 attendees at the Riverina Economic Development Officer Forum February 2023.

Regional Development Australia Riverina in partnership with AusIndustry and Wagga City presented an update on economic development activities and trends across the region.

A tour of SAP and the Riverina Intermodal Freight and Logistics Hub (RiFL) to Wagga’s north was a highlight of the event.

Committee 4 Wagga chair Adam Drummond and chief executive officer Scott Sanbrook were included in the invited delegates for the tour and information session.

Wagga City Council Director of Regional Activation John Sidgwick was among nine guest speakers and gave an overview of Wagga’s economic development during the tour.

A number of first-timers to SAP were impressed by its vast expanses, while previous visitors noted the progress with infrastructure.

Wagga City Council’s Andrea Crossley told the on-site gathering that interest in SAP had been building since mid-2022, with national and international investors making enquiries.

Andrea Crossley, Wagga Wagga City Council, highlights some key components of the RiFL Hub.

Regional NSW Senior Investment Manager Dominic Kennedy later told the forum at Uneke’s function centre how large-scale businesses and industries had been targeted.

He said Regional NSW had an attraction strategy based on reactive and proactive leads, focusing on agrifood, clean and visitor economies, and technology.

CPB operations manager Adrian Mulhall reinforced the need for increased housing options as Wagga prepares for the creation of thousands of jobs.

With CPB and Downer’s Riverina Development Program labelled a potential $2 billion project, Mr Mulhall said a capability and capacity analysis had been carried out over the past 18 months.

He said the program – centred on upgraded defence accommodation and facilities at Kapooka, RAAF Wagga and Albury-Wodonga – could bring 1000 workers to the city but currently only 400 could be housed.

“There is a freight train coming at 100 miles an hour and we all need to get on it,” Mr Mulhall advised the forum.

RDA Riverina chief executive officer and director Rachel Whiting detailed the advancements with the Growing Regions of Welcome (GROW) program and the Workforce Development Strategic Partnership with Transgrid.

Dallas Tout, City of Wagga Mayor, and Rachel Whiting, CEO Regional Development Australia Riverina were speakers at the forum.

AusIndustry regional manager SWNSW Nicole James, Education Services International Supply Group’s Bernadette Jones and Mark Cunningham and CSU director of eXtended Reality Centre Andrew Hagan made presentations at the forum.

Mr Drummond provided an update on Committee 4 Wagga’s activities, while all other organisations also had the chance to address the forum.

“It was a fantastic opportunity to hear about the progress of so many like-minded companies and organisations in the region within a speedy five-hour session,” Mr Drummond said.

“Committee 4 Wagga is pleased to attend these information sessions to update our members on trends and opportunities in the area.”

Wagga Mayor Dallas Tout gave the official welcome to the business and council representatives from across the Riverina.