Council News Issue No: 142
CITY OF WAGGA WAGGA
FIRST PRINTED SATURDAY 29 APRIL 2017
Weekly information from us to you AC T I O N S FO R A N I N C LUS I V E WAGG A
A roundtable discussion with people with a disability, their carers, and industry representatives marked the start of the second round of community engagement for the Disability Inclusion Action Plan (DIAP) 2017-2021. DIAP has been drafted and placed on public exhibition following an extensive community engagement process. Community Sector Manager Janice Summerhayes says DIAP has been developed with the people it impacts most and is the City of Wagga Wagga’s four year action plan for creating a liveable community for all. “The plan gives us a strong strategic direction to be able to provide facilities and services that people living with a disability need to maintain independence and engage with everyday community life,” she said.
STORY CONTINUES INSIDE
INCLUSIVE NOT EXCLUSIVE: Councillor Tim Koschel, Wagga resident Kerein Mullins and her daughter Bella Mullins and Mayor of the City of Wagga Wagga Councillor Greg Conkey OAM, at the roundtable discussion this week.
Have your say on funding priorities The City of Wagga Wagga has placed a total operating expenditure budget for 2017/18 of more than $119.8M on public exhibition. The Delivery Program and Operational Plan (DPOP) 2017/18 is now on public exhibition along with the Long Term Financial Plan 2017/27, Asset Management Plans, Workforce Plan 2018/21 and Annual Fees and Charges. The suite of Integrated Planning and Reporting documents are the first for the newly elected Council and are shaped around the community’s vision in the recently adopted Wagga View, Community Strategic Plan 2040. “Thousands of residents helped shape our shared vision for the future by taking part in the development of Wagga View,
Community Strategic Plan 2040,” Mayor of the City of Wagga Wagga Councillor Greg Conkey OAM said. “This overarching document centres on four guiding principles: thriving, innovative, connected and inclusive. “These principles and the community’s vision for the future create a roadmap for the City of Wagga Wagga’s suite of Integrated Planning and Reporting documents that set out our objectives for the coming financial year and our plans for the future.” The 2017/18 budget features more than $41.5M in capital expenditure, including $17.5M for new projects. Major projects in the DPOP include the completion of the Bomen Enabling Roads, Eunony Bridge replacement, work starting on stage one of the Levee Bank upgrade project, multi-purpose stadiums at Equex and Bolton Park, and upgrades to the Livestock Marketing Centre and Wagga Wagga Airport.
A number of important plans and strategies are also currently being developed, which Cr Conkey said will ensure Wagga Wagga goes from strength to strength. “Wagga Wagga is in the midst of a transformational period that will define the growth of our city and villages for many years to come,” he said. “Along with creating new opportunities for economic growth, we are fortifying the local economy and providing peace of mind for residents through the upgrade to the levee bank system. “The City is currently developing a number of key strategies that will both guide the growth in the Local Government Area and ensure adequate services are provided for the community into the future.” “The Recreation and Open Space Community Strategy will be finalised this year, while the Activation Strategy is currently being developed. The
Development Control Plan and Development Contribution Plans (including Section 94, Section 94A and Section 64) are also currently being reviewed.” Cr Conkey said the City is also committed to the continued implementation of its Fit for the Future action plan. “As part of our commitment to providing value for money to our ratepayers and residents, the City of Wagga Wagga is continuing to work toward meeting the NSW Government’s Fit for the Future performance benchmarks,” he said. Also included in the DPOP are about $1.4M in contributions, grants and donations provided by the City to the community. Community feedback open until 24 May Online: www.yoursaywagga.com.au/ipr. In person: Civic Centre Customer Service, Cnr Baylis St and Morrow St