Wagga Wagga City Council acknowledges the traditional custodians of the land, the Wiradyuri people, and pays respect to Elders past, present and future and extends our respect to all First Nations Peoples in Wagga Wagga.
We recognise and respect their cultural heritage, beliefs and continuing connection with the land and rivers.
We also recognise the resilience, strength and pride of the Wiradyuri and First Nations communities.
About this document
Our planning and reporting framework
The Integrated Planning and Reporting (IPR) framework helps Council discuss funding priorities and service levels with our community, including how these shape our local identity and how we can work together to create a more sustainable future.
Under NSW Government legislation, councils must prepare a number of plans detailing how they intend to deliver works and services in the short and long term.
These plans are based on the community’s priorities, identified in the Community Strategic Plan - Wagga View, and present a balanced approach to planning that considers how our resources can be used to deliver community outcomes.
As part of this framework, Council adopted the revised Community Strategic Plan 2040, four-year Delivery Program 2022/23-2025/26, annual Operational Plan 2023/24 and resourcing strategies. These plans inform Council’s policy development, decision-making and program delivery each year and are available on Council’s website at wagga.nsw.gov.au
What is the Annual Report?
The Annual Report provides a summary of Council’s activities, operational and financial performance for the year ended 30 June 2024.
Through this report, we look at what we’ve accomplished throughout the year and the progress we’ve made in implementing Council’s combined Delivery Program and Operational Plan 2023/24.
This report is supported by Council’s 2023/24 Performance Reports available at wagga.nsw.gov.au
Message from the Mayor
As I reflect on the past year, I am filled with immense pride for the progress and resilience displayed by our vibrant community.
This past year has been a testament to our collective strength and unwavering commitment to progress, even in the face of challenges such as the cost-of-living crisis and rising interest rates.
Throughout the year of 2023/24, Council’s focus has remained steadfast on enhancing the wellbeing and prosperity of every resident of our region. Our commitment to infrastructure development has been instrumental in driving economic growth and improving the quality of life for all.
Several capital works projects were completed during 2023/24, including the Dunns Road and Lord Baden Powell Drive upgrades, the new Duke of Kent community building, and the McPherson Oval lighting upgrade, while other projects commenced – the Bill Jacob Athletics Centre upgrade and the Bolton Park Sports Hub.
Other key activities included the release of commercial lots for sale at the Riverina Intermodal Freight and Logistics (RiFL) Hub at Bomen, funding for the Lake Albert Pipeline project, funding for the Northern and Southern Growth areas, the decision on North Wagga Flood Mitigation Options, and finalisation of our Community Net Zero 2050 Roadmap
It has also been a busy and successful 12 months on the events front for Council, from the Festival of W, Spring Jam and FUSION Botanical; to the Back to School Party, Wagga Christmas, Youth Week, and the Australia Day Awards ceremony and community events.
We have continued to deliver on our commitment to engage with our community on decisions that impact their lives.
We would like to acknowledge members of the community who have taken the time to give us their feedback on the Community Strategic Plan, CBD Masterplan, Residential Housing Strategy, Botanic Gardens Masterplan, Civic Theatre Masterplan, and Riverside Stage 3.
Thank you to everyone who has contributed to our achievements in 2023/24, from each and every resident of Wagga Wagga, to fellow councillors, the Executive Team, and Council staff.
It is through our collective efforts that we will continue to shape a brighter, more prosperous future for generations to come.
Councillor Dallas Tout Mayor of the City of Wagga Wagga
Our Councillors
The Council is a body of nine members who are elected for a term (usually four years) to carry out duties under the provisions of the Local Government Act and Regulations. The Mayor, as well as being Chairperson of Meetings, represents Council when it is not in session.
Councillor Dallas Tout (Mayor)
Councillor Dallas Tout was elected to Council in 2012 and was elected Mayor in 2022.
Councillor Richard Foley
Councillor Richard Foley was elected to Council in 2021.
Councillor Rod Kendall
Councillor Rod Kendall was elected to Council in 2004 and was elected Mayor in 2012 – 2015.
Councillor Amelia Parkins (Deputy Mayor)
Councillor Amelia Parkins was elected to Council in 2021 and was elected Deputy Mayor in 2023.
Councillor Dan Hayes
Councillor Dan Hayes was elected to Council in 2016 and resigned in October 2023.
Councillor Tim Koschel
Councillor Tim Koschel was elected to Council in 2016.
Councillor Georgie Davies
Councillor Georgie Davies was elected to Council in 2021.
Councillor Michael Henderson
Councillor Michael Henderson was elected to Council in 2021.
Councillor Jenny McKinnon
Councillor Jenny McKinnon was elected to Council in 2021 and was elected Deputy Mayor in 2022 – 2023.
Our organisational structure
Part 1
The Wagga Wagga Community
Thriving
Community vision, principles and priorities
Our vision for the future
“In 2040 Wagga Wagga will be a thriving, innovative, connected and inclusive community on the Murrumbidgee. Rich in opportunity, choice, learning and environment, Wagga Wagga is a place where paths cross and people meet.”
Our guiding principles
To ensure that we achieve the community vision in the future, it is necessary that we start embedding elements of that vision into today’s planning. Four key words have been chosen by the community to be used as guiding principles in planning for our future.
Connected
Feeling part of a community Relationships
Inclusive
Including everyone
Accessibility
All cultures and backgrounds
Friendly Inviting
Equal opportunity
Fair
Welcoming
The Wagga Wagga Community
Our strategic directions
The five strategic directions as set out in the Community Strategic Plan 2040 provide the structure for this report.
These are our focus areas for achieving our community’s long-term priorities and goals and, ultimately, our community’s vision for the future. Our five strategic directions are:
Community leadership and collaboration
• Accountability
• Transparency
• Representations
• Strategy
• Participation
• Governance
• Informed decision making
• Communication
• Engagement
• Active community members
Safe and healthy community
• Safe places and spaces
• Perception of safety
• Emergency response
• Public health
• Safe behaviours
• Healthy lifestyle
• Recreation
• Sports
• Access to healthy food
• Health and support services
Growing economy
• Diversity of our industry
• Encouragement of innovation and entrepreneurship
• Enabled by technology
Community place and identity
• Connection to place
• Family friendly
• 'City of Good Sports'
• Multicultural community
• Arts and cultural centre
• A city with a country lifestyle
• Defence presence
• Opportunities to connect
The environment
• Planning for a growing city
• Protecting and enhance our natural environment
• Sustainability
• Facility improvements
• Housing options
• Maintaining our built environment
• Small business
• Freight and logistics hub
• Tourism
• Active hubs
• Retail options
About Wagga Wagga
Located on the banks of the Murrumbidgee River in the heart of Wiradjuri Country, Wagga Wagga is the centre of the Riverina and is the largest inland city in NSW
Location
68,716 population of local government area
450km from Sydney
460km from Melbourne
230km from Canberra
4,825 sq km area
Oura
Ladysmith
Humula
Uranquinty
Mangoplah
Collingullie
Currawarna
Tarcutta
Wagga Wagga
Galore
Collingullie
Currawarna
Galore
Humula
Ladysmith
Mangoplah
Oura
Tarcutta
Uranquinty
Riverside: Wagga Beach
Wagga Wagga Zoo + Aviary
Multisport Cycling Complex
Wagga Wagga Civic Theatre
Wagga Wagga Art Gallery
Museum of the Riverina
Wagga Wagga Botanic Gardens
Oasis Aquatic Centre
Our performance
Performance Measures 2023-2024
The performance measures are sourced from a range of data sets such as the Council Community Satisfaction Survey, Council data, Australian Bureau of Statistics or other reliable statistics (shown below) that can be used to quantify progress. These measures provide a framework for Council to measure and report on progress in implementing the Community Strategic Plan 2040, Delivery Program and annual Operational Plans.
Data sources:
• Council Community Satisfaction Survey: Baseline = 2021, Actual = 2024
• The Regional Wellbeing Survey: Baseline = 2020, Actual (2024 data not available)
• Australian Bureau of Statistics – Census: Baseline = 2021, Actual = 2021
• Council data: Baseline = 2021/22, Actual = 2023/24
• Australian Bureau of Statistics: latest available data
• Wagga Wagga Community Profile ID: latest available data
• Snapshot Climate Tool: latest data available
• NSW Department of Planning and Environment: latest data available
• NSW Government Seed Data: latest data available
• Essential Energy data: latest data available
• Riverina Water data: latest data available
• Australian Photovoltaic Institute: latest data available
Moving away from community outcome
Stable / no movement
Progressing towards community outcome
The Wagga Wagga Community
Community leadership and collaboration
Community leadership and collaboration
Objective: Wagga Wagga has strong community leadership and a shared vision for the future
Strategy: Our leaders represent our community
12 Citizenship Ceremonies held during the year
Council maintained its commitment to hosting citizenship ceremonies throughout the year. Over the course of 12 events, a broad and diverse group of new citizens from around the world were warmly welcomed into the community. These ceremonies provided a significant opportunity to honour the rich tapestry of cultures and backgrounds that new citizens bring, celebrating their official transition and integration into their new home. Each event was marked by a sense of unity and inclusion, reflecting Council’s dedication to fostering a multicultural and welcoming environment for all.
Council also represented Wagga Wagga at regional forums such as the Canberra Region Joint Organisation, Regional Capitals Australia, Country Mayors and Regional Cities NSW.
Strategy: Plan long term for the future of our city
Council embarked on the journey to develop a new Community Strategic Plan (CSP) which is the highest level of strategic planning undertaken by Council. Throughout the CSP development, Council staff carried out many community engagement consultations throughout the LGA to ask our community what they wanted for the future of Wagga Wagga.
The CSP will be known as Wagga Wagga 2050 and will provide direction for the coming 25 years.
It will address the following questions:
• Where are we now?
• Where do we want to be in the future?
• How will we get there?
• How will we know we have arrived?
The community engagement used a mix of online and face-to-face engagements including surveys, written submissions, art competition, animations, radio promotion,
workshops etc. The campaign reached over 100,000 interactions which assisted in generating awareness and interest in the development of the plan. Close to 2500 people provided submissions as part of the engagement.
The responses from the engagement were reviewed, analysed and themed to identify key focus areas for the plan to include and ensure it is reflective of what our community desires for the future of Wagga Wagga LGA.
In addition to the CSP, Council actively engaged with the community on a variety of important initiatives, including the:
• Recreational, Open Space and Community Strategy (ROSC)
• CBD Masterplan
• Airport’s future
• Draft Wagga Wagga Civic Theatre – Performing Arts Masterplan.
These engagements attracted a significant response, reflecting the community's strong interest and investment in the future of their local area.
Objective: Our community is informed and actively engaged in decision making and problem-solving to shape the future of Wagga Wagga
Strategy: Communicate with our community
Every Saturday in The Daily Advertiser and in collaboration with local media outlets, Council publishes Council News. This communication keeps the community up to date on upcoming roadworks, major projects, events and engagements by Council.
In addition to mainstream forms of publishing, we post to our social media channels on Facebook and Instagram, we run our website and Have Your Say Wagga Wagga platform, as well as our own newsletters, flyers and postcards.
Strategy: Ensure our community feels heard and understood
While Council may come up with the plans that steer us into the future, we want you to let us know whether we’re on the right track.
That’s why we put our projects, policies, plans and strategies on public exhibition for you to read and assess at haveyoursay.wagga.nsw.gov.au
We want to know what you like, what you don’t, and your suggestions, because your feedback helps us shape a final, stronger, project together.
Over the course of the year, we had 57,236 views and 23,815 visitors to the site and published a total of 84 projects for public viewing, including the public exhibition of master plans, consultations and projects.
2,500 members of the community provided feedback as part of the community consultation for the CSP
23,815 visitors to our haveyoursay website, providing feedback on 84 projects, policies, plans or strategies on public exhibition
45,103 phone calls we made to customer service with an 86% first call resolution
Objective: Council leads through engaged civic governance and is recognised and distinguished by its ethical decision-making, efficient management, innovation, and quality customer service
Strategy: Ensure transparency and accountability
During the 2023/24 financial year, the Internal Audit division played a key role in promoting transparency, accountability, and good governance within Council. Independent audits and evaluations provided objective insights, helping identify areas for improvement and mitigating risks. These assessments were crucial for evaluating the performance and effectiveness of internal controls and governance processes, as well as for holding departments and management accountable. Audit findings were shared with relevant stakeholders to foster openness, while monitoring of management's agreed action items ensured the implementation of improvements. This reinforced a culture of continuous improvement and accountability within Council.
Internal Audit’s independent status, reporting functionally to the Audit, Risk & Improvement Committee and administratively to the General Manager, allowed it to offer unbiased insights into governance, risk management, and control processes.
Strategy: Provide professional, innovative, accessible, and effective service delivery
Council’s adopted Operational and Efficiency Reviews Framework details how Council conducts service reviews.
A service review is a process that considers the costs, quality and efficiency of a Council service and assesses whether the current mode of delivery is appropriate. It is a process of data collection that enables a Council to make informed decisions about the services it delivers.
During the 2023/24 year Council undertook a Service Review of the Development Assessment and Building Certification Division, incorporating the following services:
• Development assessment
• Building Certification
• Planning Administration
Recommendations from the review will be presented to Council in the 2024/25 Financial Year.
Strategy: Be easily accessible to all members of the community
Council’s Customer Service team provide our community with simple and convenient ways to access and do business with Council through the delivery of high-quality customer service via phone, counter and digital channels.
Council is committed to being open, honest, and fair in its dealings with all customers and strives to provide timely, efficient and consistent service to our community. We take our obligations to the community seriously and are committed to ensuring high standards of service are reached and maintained.
Achievements and performance
$268,059 in community grants was awards
2 divisional workforce management plans completed
12 Citizenship Ceremonies 112% increase in Wagga Wagga City Council Facebook page views
Community Satisfaction Survey completed 89.31% utilisation rate on heavy plant assets
Customer service statistics
45,103 overall calls 764 web chats 86% first call resolutions 1792 applications processed
11,640 customer requests lodged
93 community grant applications
Employee Engagement Survey completed
399 updates provided on Live Traffic NSW
Top ten customer requests
1. Bin requests 4554
2. Road requests 1449
3. Animal requests 1094 4. Street tree requests 957
5. Sewer requests 803
6. Information requests 782
7. Regulatory requests 554
8. Parks and reserves requests 304
9. Environmental requests 289
10. Pathway requests 219
Table 1: Top 10 customer requests 2023/24
Performance
Wagga Wagga has strong community leadership and a shared vision for the future
Our community is informed and actively engaged in decision-making and problem-solving to shape the future of Wagga Wagga
Council leads through engaged civic governance and is recognised and distinguished by its ethical decision-making, efficient management, innovation and quality customer service
Wellbeing Survey
Safe and healthy community
Safe and healthy community
Objective: Our community feels safe
Strategy: Create safe spaces and places
Council continued to implement the Community Safety Action Plan with all actions progressed during this year.
Council also administered the Wagga Youth Interagency Group meetings (monthly) and the Wagga Access Reference Group (monthly) meetings. Council staff participated in regular external groups meetings related to community health and wellbeing including the Community Drug Action Team, Domestic Violence Liaison Committee and Multicultural Interagency Network.
Strategy: Promote safety and safe behaviours
The Oasis Aquatic Centre was again awarded a 5 Star safety rating in 2024. The safety checklist has been sourced from the Guidelines for Safe Pool Operation (GSPO), an established industry safety standard designed to maximise the safety of all aquatic facilities. The GSPO guides swimming pool operators on the safe operation of swimming facilities, outlining best practice standards and legislative requirements.
5 stars awarded to the Oasis Aquatic Centre under the 5 star safety rating system.
5 Star Water Safety Partners commit to an annual Aquatic Facility Safety Assessment undertaken by Royal Life Saving which entails a rigorous 40-point safety check. The Oasis Aquatic Centre received a 5-star rating of 99% and an overall safety rating of 96% and is one of 58 Aquatic facilities across NSW with a 5-star safety rating.
The Oasis Aquatic Centre continues to provide integral water safety programs including the Oasis Swim School and Outback Lifesavers program to thousands of local residents, school children and infants, teaching them a fundamental life skill which also gives participants a strong foundation in leading a healthy and active lifestyle. The programs not only focus on the fundamentals of swimming but also highlight the dangers of inland waterways such as lakes, dams and the Murrumbidgee River which are synonymous with Wagga Wagga.
Strategy: Be responsive to emergencies
Council facilitates and chairs the Local Emergency Management Committee (LEMC) which consists of key emergencies services personnel, as well as supports agencies like the Volunteer Rescue Association (VRA Rescue), Defence and Welfare. Four meetings are conducted per year. Meetings were held in August and November of 2023 as well as February and May 2024.
Council responds to requests for assistance from emergency services providers such as the Police, the Rural Fire Service (RFS) and NSW Fire and Rescue.
As a heavy plant hire contractor to the RFS for emergency services, over the period 1 July 2023 to 30 June 2024 Council responded to two RFS requests for assistance and provided a grader and operator to a fire on a property at Kyeamba as well as Yarragundry.
Council also provides after hours call out services to respond to emergencies with the sewer system. Over the 2023/24 financial year, Council responded to more than 850 requests to unblock sewer chokes.
We regularly provide updates via Council's media team as well as communications and alerts via Live Traffic NSW for emergencies and/or events that affect traffic. 399 traffic updates were provided on Live Traffic for the Wagga Wagga LGA over 2023/24.
Strategy: Monitor and enforce public safety
Council's Environmental health team is actively engaged in implementing a range of public health initiatives aimed at enhancing awareness in key areas of Environmental Health. These initiatives encompass food safety, public health education campaigns such as infection control and safe disposal of sharps. In response to the recent
10/13
Active Travel Links have been completed across the network
amendment to food safety regulations outlined in the Food Standards code, which took effect in late 2023, the team has developed a variety of resources. These include the Food for Thought newsletters, food safety calendars, posters, flyers, and dedicated web pages featuring interactive recording templates. These resources are designed to assist retail food businesses and their staff in effectively transitioning to the new requirements.
During Food Safety Week the team conducted promotional activities to enhance public awareness regarding the significance of proper food safety practises. In 2023/24, the team completed more than 590 food safety inspections and conducted 244 health inspections across various sectors including skin penetration and beauty services, funeral services, cooling water system inspections and audits on public swimming pool inspections along with onsite sewage management inspections.
Additionally, Council’s Environmental Health officers have assessed numerous health related applications and continue to provide ongoing technical advice and guidance to businesses during the fit-out and start-up stages. They also support temporary event food stall vendors in meeting the minimum requirements of the Food Regulations. These efforts are crucial in safeguarding the health and wellbeing of our community.
Objective: Our community embraces healthier lifestyle choices and practices
Strategy: Promote access and participation for all sections of the community to a full range of sports and recreational activities
When complete, the Active Travel Plan (ATP) project will provide a 56-kilometre network of dedicated shared paths that will criss-cross the city to link the outer suburbs with the central business area and end of trip-facilities. The infrastructure is designed to improve health outcomes, enhance the liveability of the city, and provide residents with a safe, alternative transport option for commuting.
10 of the 13 links have been completed. Aside from Forest Hill, the remaining links are close to completion with minor finishing works such as line marking still to be done. Detailed design work is being completed on seven links as part of ATP Stage 3. Two end of trip facilities making it easier for people to choose cycling as their main form of transport to and from the city are located adjacent to the Oasis Aquatic Centre in Morgan Street and the Visitor Information Centre in Tarcutta Street.
The facilities include secure bike parking, bike lockers, a repair station, water bottle filling station, sensor lights and 24-hour CCTV surveillance. The Visitor Information Centre site also has a shower and change room available.
Numerous intersection upgrades were carried out to ensure the shared pathways were safely linked for pedestrians and cyclists utilising the network.
The $15.8 million project is funded by NSW Government and Council.
• Stage 1: $12.8 million ($11.35M NSW Government + $1.45 million Council)
• Stage 2: $3.92 million ($3.8M NSW Government + $130,000 Council)
Objective: Our community has access to health and support services that cater for all of our needs
Strategy: Support and continue to develop services to improve and promote community health and wellbeing
Council is actively involved in the regionally focused Murrumbidgee Health and Knowledge Precinct with representation on the Board and Alliance. Through a collaborative approach, the precinct has developed a strategy which outlines 3 main priority areas:
1. Education and rural workforce; 2. Research and innovation; and 3. One system integration.
The first Regional Health Innovation Showcase was held on Friday 3 July 2024 in Wagga Wagga.
Work was scheduled to commence on the implementation of the Wagga Wagga Health and Innovation Precinct Master Plan in the latter part of 2024. This will include the development of a structure plan and a detailed implementation plan.
Council also continued to implement the Community Safety Action Plan 2022-2026 with all actions progressed during this year including the delivery of Family Community Safety Days in collaboration with Wagga Local Area Command and emergency services agencies. These events were held at Riverside with strong attendance from the community, providing an opportunity for residents to engage with local police, other emergency services organisations and Council staff to provide feedback and raise issues regarding community safety matters.
Other project highlights included the delivery of the annual Back to School Party event in Tolland, providing much-needed access to education supplies, food relief and safe introductions with local services, along with the delivery of the Tolland Community Clean Up Day with Homes NSW and a Youth Mental Health community training program.
Council actively engaged through regular meetings, partnership programs and campaigns with the following local interagency groups to ensure cross-collaboration on domestic and family violence issues throughout the year:
• Triple H Forum (Housing, Humanitarian Services and Homelessness)
• Wagga Youth Interagency Group
• Wagga Aboriginal Interagency Group
• Wagga Access Reference Group
• Wagga Community Drug Action Team
Achievements
263,469 visitors to the Oasis Aquatic Centre
590 food safety inspections
4,920 Oasis Swim School participants
24 Outback Lifesavers Program participants
Line marking and delineation improvements on 4 roundabouts
244 health inspections conducted
Council Wellness Calendar implemented
North Wagga Flood Mitigation Strategy endorsed by Council
Performance
Our community feels safe
Our community embraces healthier lifestyle choices and practices
Our community has access to health and support services that cater for all of our needs
Growing economy
Growing economy
Objective: Wagga Wagga is a thriving, innovative and connected regional capital city
Strategy: Improve, maintain, and renew transport networks and building infrastructure to provide safe, affordable, efficient, and reliable transport connections for our community
Council has been actively enhancing the safety and quality of our local roads through ongoing patching, rehabilitation, and capital works projects. With a road network spanning over 2300 km in our region, maintaining and upgrading these roads is a key challenge and a top priority. We have also experimented with new technologies and methods, such as the Pothole Pro machine, which allows for more permanent pothole repairs by squaring them off and sealing over filled areas. Additionally, we are using foamed bitumen and foamed asphalt technologies for rehabilitating existing pavements, instead of completely reconstructing them and removing the original materials.
In addition to the major road upgrades, we also undertook a significant amount of pavement rehabilitation, including:
Pavement Rehab
• Bomen Road
• Byrnes Road
• Copland Street (Lake Albert End to Rail)
• Westbrook Road Pavement Rehab
• Ziegler Avenue
• Bakers Lane
• Macleay Street Pavement Rehab
• Cross Street
• Church Street
• Johnston Street
• Nesbitt Street
• Norton Street
• Main Street
• Gregadoo Road
• Travers Street roundabout (MID block missing link to the 2 intersection that are proposed for upgrades)
• Copland Street roundabout (extend existing shoulder to tie into the roundabout and the project that is completed to the west)
2300km of road network spanning our region
Heavy Patching
• Dalman Parkway/Pinaroo Drive intersection
• The Esplanade/Best Street intersection
Recurrent Program
• Dunns Road Upgrade
• Lord Baden Powell Drive Upgrade
• Dobney Ave and Pearson Street Pavement Rehab
• Old Narrandera Road Sealing + Reconstruction
• Keajura Road - Fixing Local Roads Round 4
Asphalt Program
Trail Street/Johnson Street roundabout
Local Road Community Infrastructure
• Narrung Street Pavement Rehab
• Bourke and Holbrook Road Intersection
• Travers and Fitzmaurice Street Intersection
• Pinaroo Sreet/Fernleigh Road Roundabout
• Byrnes Road upgrade
We look after
94 bridges includes foot, vehicle and rail bridges 1240 km sealed roads 339km footpaths, shared paths and cycleways
Regional Emergency Road Repair Fund
• Holbrook Road
• Tumbarumba Road
• Lockhart Road
• Westbrook Road
• Keajura Road
• Arajoel Road
• Brushwood Road
• O’Briens Creek Road
• Oxley Bridge Road
• Arnots Road
• Bourke Street
• Horseshoe Road
• Billagha Street
• McNickle Road
• Boorooma Street
• Lake Albert Road
• Red Hill Road
• Merino Road
• Byrnes Road pavement rehab
• Copland Street (Blaxland - Kooringal Road) Pavement Rehab
• Kooringal Road Mena to roundabout reseal
• Best and Tompson Street roundabout Urban Asphalt
• Morgan Street (Murray to Docker) Urban Asphalt
• Forsyth Berry roundabout Urban Asphalt
• Morgan Best roundabout Urban Asphalt
• Travers and Trail intersection Urban Asphalt
• Copland/Kooringal Road roundabout Urban Asphalt
• Kooringal Lake Albert Overlay only 50 (mm) PMB AE15 roundabout Urban Asphalt
• Kooringal (Lake Albert to Red Hill) stabilise overlay 50 (mm) Urban Asphalt
• Westbrook Road
• Red Hill Road
• Biroomba Lane
Strategy: Establish and grow Wagga Wagga serving as world class freight and logistics hub to the region and beyond
The Riverina Intermodal Freight and Logistics Hub (RiFL) opened on 1 December 2022 with Visy Logistics Pty Ltd signing a 40-year lease to manage and operate the Terminal and Rail Master siding. Visy committed to an annual throughput of 15,000 TEU (20-foot equivalent units) with 99% of throughput volumes being Visy’s own freight (export paper manufactured from their Tumut Paper Mill).
In the first year of operation more than 25,000 TEUs went through the RIFL Hub terminal facility and as we approach the 2nd anniversary of operations, Visy is forecasting in excess of 37,000 TEUs to move through the facility.
Council is planning for Stages 2 and 3 of the Terminal Facility, which will include increasing hardstand capacity, extended loading face, additional refrigerated container points and other Terminal related services.
Wagga Wagga Airport is also one of the most significant regional transport gateways in NSW. It has a critical role in connecting the Riverina region to the rest of Australia. The Airport is serviced by two main carriers, QantasLink and Regional Express (REX), and has daily flights to Sydney and Melbourne.
The current 30-year lease of the Wagga Wagga Airport from the Commonwealth Department of Defence was originally due to expire in June 2025, however it has been extended to June 2026 to enable more time for Defence and Council to work together to negotiate a longer-term lease of the Airport.
Council is continuing to advocate to keep the Airport in community hands and negotiate a new lease and facility upgrade.
Council was funded by Regional NSW to produce a Business Case to analyse the requirements to upgrade the Airport terminal facilities and incorporate essential security screening equipment. This business case was submitted to Council in April 2024 and Council is actively seeking grant funding to support an upgrade of the Airport terminal once a longer-term lease of the Airport is secured.
Strategy: Recognise the future opportunities for Wagga Wagga will be gained by continued investment to strengthen our digital literacy and infrastructure, connecting our community, industry and services to new exciting opportunities now and in the future
Council worked with businesses in the Bomen Special Activation Precinct to deliver higher quality broadband products with faster speed services and cheaper internet. Workshops were also held on digital marketing and digital sales upskilling for small and medium sized businesses. Council’s advocacy to State and Federal Government also assisted with the installation and upgrading of new telecommunication towers to better connect villages across the Wagga Wagga LGA.
Objective: Wagga Wagga is an attractive location for people to live, work and invest
Strategy: Encourage and support investment to develop Wagga Wagga
The Special Activation Precinct (SAP) is one of four areas in regional NSW where planning and investment combine to boost jobs. Throughout the development and planning of this precinct, Council actively supports the SAP to attract investment and create jobs within the region, enhancing our status as a regional hub for advanced manufacturing, logistics, and agribusiness. Situated on 4500ha, including 300ha of already developed land, known as the Bomen Business Park, the SAP connects Australia’s richest food growing region to the world. Located on the Inland Rail, the precinct houses the Riverina Intermodal Freight and Logistics (RiFL) hub, with overnight access to international ports and 75% Australia’s population.
This initiative not only seeks to stimulate the economy but also to improve the overall quality of life for residents by creating sustainable employment opportunities and promoting long-term growth in the area.
Strategy: Attract and support local businesses, industry, and employment opportunities
The Wagga Wagga Livestock Marketing Centre (LMC) was established in 1979 and is considered by industry as the premier livestock selling centre in Australia for the marketing of cattle, sheep and lambs. The facility is located approximately 10km north of the city in Bomen, a key business and industrial growth location including the RiFL
Hub and the NSW Government's strategically positioned within the Wagga Wagga Special Activation Precinct (SAP). The LMC continues to grow its position as a major driver of agribusiness, employment and economic growth in the Wagga Wagga regional economy and community.
The LMC is wholly owned by Council and operates on a completely self-funded financial model that delivers a significant dividend to Council annually and is distributed to several rural and regional projects.
Throughout the course of the year, we saw a high volume of cattle, sheep and lamb sales put through the LMC, a staggering 2,735,243 head, worth $508,356,636.38.
Objective: Wagga Wagga is an attractive tourist destination
Strategy: Facilitate planning and development of visitorrelated facilities and services
Council’s Wagga Wagga Tourism Partner Program facilitated engagement and communication with local businesses to drive further visitation and investment in the local economy during 2023/24. The Tourism Partner Program also supported local and regional businesses to develop new and existing products and encourage collaboration. Several destination marketing and development initiatives were delivered to increase visitation and build the profile of Wagga Wagga as a tourist destination.
Wagga Wagga welcomes 1.2 million visitors to the city each year:
• Visitors contribute to $374M in direct expenditure
• On average visitors spend $141 per night
• On average visitors stay 3 nights
• 161 members of the Tourism Partner Program 2024/25
• 17,400 followers on Visit Wagga Instagram
• 15,000 followers on Visit Wagga Facebook
• 389,542 page views on Visit Wagga Wagga website
• 28,390 visitors to the Visitor Information Centre.
Key activities in 2023/24 included:
• A new Wagga Wagga and Surrounds 2023/24 Visitor Guide was launched in December 2023, timed to be released in the lead up to the summer holiday period to encourage visitation from the visiting friends and relative markets. The publication showcased approx.161 tourism partner businesses and six neighbouring shires, highlighting our region’s key experiences for things to see and do, places to eat and drink, where to stay, and to find out what’s on in the Wagga Wagga and Surrounds region. The guide contains Wiradyuri language translations developed by Uncle Dr Stan Grant Senior, Budyaan Wiradyuri Language Trust and the staff at the School of Indigenous Australian Studies at Charles Sturt University, as well as a new Guugga (Goanna) illustration supported by Mawang Gaway Aboriginal Consultative group.
• Three destination marketing campaigns were launched during this period to promote and encourage visitation in the city. This included the release of Stage 2 of the Point of View (POV) digital series promoting local perspectives of hidden gems, the launch of Magic Moments campaign showcasing over 13 businesses and attractions, the launch of the 12-month regional campaign Out for Adventure showcasing micro adventures within Wagga Wagga and surrounding regions in partnership with 5 councils including Coolamon, Snowy Valleys, Greater Hume, Cootamundra-Gundagai and Lockhart Shire.
2,735,243 head of cattle, sheep and lamb were sold through the LMC
$374M in direct expenditure from visitors to our region
180,000 page views on the Visit Wagga website
Strategy: Accommodate and provide support to visitors
The Wagga Wagga Visitor Information Centre recorded a total of 28,480 customers through the doors which is an annual growth of 3.9%, with 90% of these visitors travelling from outside the Wagga Wagga Local Government Area. Visit Wagga Wagga digital platforms recorded positive growth with the Visit Wagga Wagga website recording over 180,000 page views during this period, adding to the total annual growth of 57%, and social media channels (Facebook and Instagram) reached a combined following over 41,000. Staff continued to facilitate the daily requests for accommodation, experience and attraction information. Retail sales at the Visitor Information Centre continued to grow year-on-year recording a growth of 21%. This trend has been driven by the growth in demand and expansion in the centre's local product range including food and Wiradjuri/Wiradyuri and First Nations products.
Strategy: Provide a variety of events, festivals and activities
Events Strategy and Action Plan
Implementation of the Events Strategy and Action Plan 2020-2024 continued during 2023/24 with the delivery and attraction of a range of diverse and inclusive community events designed to bring people together, strengthen our cultural identity and harmony and make the city a more vibrant place to live.
Key activities in 2023/24 included:
• 35 major events held in 2023/24 with a combined 206,300 attendees.
• Staff provided planning and logistical support to community event organisers throughout the year, with over 500 community events promoted for free through Council’s event calendar.
Wagga Wagga Event highlights 2023/24
• Festival of W – 120,000 attendees across 16 days
• Wagga Wagga Swap Meet – 8,000 attendees
• Spring Jam 2023 – 8,000 attendees
• Thrashernats3 – 2,500 attendees
• NSWRL Carnival – 3,000 attendees
• Gears and Beers Festival – 6,000 attendees
• FUSION BOTANICAL – 7,000 attendees
• ACT Brumbies Super 7's/Premier 7s – 1,200 attendees
• Christmas with the Con – 3,000 attendees
• New Years Eve 2023 - 10,000 attendees
• 2024 Australia Day events – 600 attendees across 4 events
• Wagga Wagga Gold Cup Carnival – 10,000 attendees.
Major events and festivals delivered during 2023/24 included:
Major Events, Festivals and Films Sponsorship Fund
Council endorsed the 2023/24 rounds of the Major Events, Festivals and Films Sponsorship funding aiming to fund meaningful, creative, and high-quality events for our community and visitors to participate in and enjoy. All applications were assessed by the Major Events Advisory Panel in line with the Major Events, Festivals and Films Sponsorship guidelines. Successful applicants included:
• Wagga Wagga Swap Meet - $10,000
• Thrashernats3 – $15,000
• Christmas with the Con – $10,000
• Wagga Wagga Mardi Gras – $20,000
• Gears and Beers Festival – $20,000
• TEDxWagga Wagga – $10,000
• Writers in the Woolshed - $5740
During this period $170,000 in event sponsorship was secured for Festival of W 2024 including project funding from Transport for NSW ($150K) and Destination NSW ($20,000) with funds allocated to staging and programming street-based activations along with out of region marketing initiatives to encourage stronger economic return through visitation to the City particularly targeting the Canberra market. Council also established a partnership with Local Government New South Wales (LGNSW), Junee and Coolamon Shire Councils to host the 2024 Destination and Visitor Economy Conference in Wagga Wagga in May 2024.
10,000 people attended New Years Eve 2023 which was held at Lake Albert
120,000 people attended Festival of W over the 16 day winter festival
Delivery of Council-led events included:
Festival of W 2023
Held in the Wagga Wagga CBD from Saturday 2 July to Sunday 17 July 2023. The festival had an estimated 120,000 attending across the 16-day period with 20.16% of the event attendees identifying as visitors from outside the Wagga Wagga LGA. The festival included the return of a larger authentic ice-skating rink, a large-scale art installation and three major events held on weekends.
The 2023 Christmas program
This commenced with the installation of decorations in Baylis and Fitzmaurice Street and the Civic Centre forecourt. The decorations were on display to the public until 9 January 2024 and included the installation of 80 Christmas themed decorations made of acrylic board placed on street poles in Baylis and Fitzmaurice Streets 750mm - 1000mm tall and manufactured locally; Wagga Christmas branded triangular tree guards and 2-sided bin covers in Baylis Street; Wagga Christmas branded flags installed in Baylis and Fitzmaurice Streets; the Civic Centre forecourt trio of stars installation along with the existing lighting in the Cypris Pine tree in Victory Memorial Gardens and fairy lights at five pedestrian crossings. The Santa Trail activation was delivered across four days visiting four locations: Gobbagombalin Park, Chambers Park in Tolland, Botanic Gardens in Turvey Park and Paddy Osborne Park in Tarcutta. Each location enjoyed a local pop-up community event to participate in including performances from local dance groups, music offerings and food. A Very Wagga Christmas 2023 video was produced to promote all these activities online as part of the overall promotional campaign to support the Christmas 2023 schedule.
Australia Day 2024 celebrations
A free community breakfast and live entertainment was well-supported, with approximately 480 community members gathering to reflect, respect and celebrate with
family and friends. The 2024 Australia Day event series included a new First Nations event ‘Mawang ngiyanhi bala Yarruwala’ which included a smoking ceremony, Wiradyuri storytelling and a community concert. In addition, the annual Australia Day Awards ceremony was conducted at the Wagga Wagga Civic Theatre on the evening of 25 January 2024. Four outstanding Wagga Wagga residents and a local community group were honoured and recognised at the 2024 Australia Day Awards for their community contributions including:
• 2024 Citizen of the Year – Annette St Clair
• 2024 Young Citizen of the Year – Angus Smith
• 2024 Walk of Honour Inductee – Peter Cox
• 2023 Environmental Citizen of the Year – Canny Kinloch and Jim Rees Spring Jam 2023
This was delivered on Saturday 23 September at the Botanic Gardens. The festival recorded an estimated 6,000+ attendees with 19% identifying that they travelled from outside the Wagga Wagga LGA. The single-day family friendly festival is targeted at children aged between 2-12yrs. The spring filled festival combined circus acts, adventure play, interactive fun, live entertainment, zoo safaris, treats and healthy food options for all.
Objective: Wagga Wagga is a hub for activity
Strategy: Facilitate the development of vibrant precincts
Council has continued to implement the adopted Local Strategic Planning Statement. This has included preparation of the CBD Masterplan, the Northern Growth Area Structure Plan, and the Wagga Wagga Housing Strategy. The CBD Masterplan will support a vibrant, active and people-focused CBD. Community consultation on the project was undertaken in early 2024, revealing community insights and ideas for the CBD that will be utilised for the development of the draft masterplan.
Objective: Wagga Wagga is a centre for education and training
Strategy: Support and promote quality and choice in education and vocation pathways
Council's ambitious commitment to a 7% workforce quota for apprentices, trainees, and cadets by 2027 has translated into tangible achievements in just over a year. Through the strategic employment of a full-time People and Culture Officer devoted to this project, Council has witnessed a significant surge from 8 to 28 apprentices, trainees, and cadets. Moreover, our proactive strategy kick-started the recruitment for an additional 11 apprentices and trainees during this period. By prioritising the mitigation of skill shortages and advancing equity and inclusivity within the organisation, we are not only creating varied employment pathways but also fostering a culture of diverse and specialised career opportunities.
545 heavy vehicle permits issued
Completion of the Riverside Entertainment / Convention Centre Business Case
28 trainees, apprentices and cadets employed
28,480 visitors to the Wagga Wagga Visitor Information Centre Achievements
Endorsement of the Civic Theatre Performing Arts Masterplan
Completion of the Wagga Wagga Airport Business Case
$170,000 in event sponsorship secured for the Festival of W
Performance
Wagga Wagga is a thriving, innovative and connected regional capital city
Council Community Satisfaction Survey
Council Community Satisfaction Survey Community satisfaction with traffic flow/ congestion is increasing
Council Community Satisfaction Survey
satisfaction with maintaining footpaths is increasing
Council Community Satisfaction Survey The proportion of people who indicated having access to good quality public transport is increasing
The Regional Wellbeing Survey The proportion of people who rated access to high speed, reliable internet as ‘good’ is increasing
The Regional Wellbeing Survey The proportion of people who rated access to mobile phone reception as ‘good’ is increasing
Wagga Wagga is an attractive location for people to live, work and invest
of local businesses is
2022
2023
Wagga Wagga Community Profile ID
The city’s Gross Regional Product (GRP) is increasing
Baseline: 2022 Actual: 2023
The Regional Wellbeing Survey The proportion of people who agree ‘living costs are affordable here’ is increasing
Wagga Wagga is an attractive tourist destination
Source
Wagga Wagga Community Profile ID
Council Community Satisfaction Survey
Value added by tourism industry to the local economy, direct and indirect, is increasing.
Baseline: 2021/22
Actual: 2022/23
satisfaction with festival and event programs is increasing
Wagga Wagga is a centre for education and training
Wagga Wagga is a hub for activity
Council Community Satisfaction Survey
Council Community Satisfaction Survey
Council Community Satisfaction Survey
The proportion of people who agree ‘Wagga Wagga has a vibrant nightlife’ is increasing
The proportion of people who agree ‘Wagga Wagga has a variety of entertainment options’ is increasing
The proportion of people who agree ‘Wagga Wagga has a wide variety of retail options’ is increasing
Community place and identity
Community place and identity
Objective: Our community are proud of where we live and our identity
Strategy: Promote a strong sense of place
Public Art Plan
Public art celebrates who we are as a community and is an important way to bring our public spaces to life. Council recognises the key role that public art plays in creating a thriving, innovative, connected and inclusive community; by creating a sense of place, supporting our arts and creative community, providing opportunities to connect with others and enhancing our public spaces. Council’s Public Art Plan 2022-2026 details how Council will continue to develop public art in the city and surrounding rural villages for the period 2022-2026.
Key activities in 2023/24:
• Humula Bush Fire Brigade mural ‘In This Together’ by artist Alex Sugar was completed in September 2023.
• ‘Mount Austin Laneways’ collaborative project between artist Damien Mitchell and students of Mount Austin High School was completed in November 2023. This project saw the students beautify selected laneways in the suburb of Mount Austin with unique designs on the footpaths.
• Artist Tom Buckland was commissioned to create a temporary public art installation to coincide with the LGNSW Destination and Visitor Economy Conference 2024 hosted in Wagga Wagga in May 2024 and the Wagga Comedy Fest in June 2024. ‘Flock’ was located around the Wollundry Lagoon Cultural Precinct for a period of three weeks, as well as the artist running workshops with the community and conference delegates.
• Artists Amanda Newman and Natalie L Simmons were selected to create a new mural for the amenities block at Jack Mission Oval in Ashmont and began their design development through workshops with students at Ashmont Public School.
• Artist Carla Gottgens was selected to create a new public bench seat with a creative element in the village of Currawarna. The bench is to be located at the Currawarna Community Centre and be influenced by community input at a workshop hosted in June 2023.
• Council endorsed the deaccessioning and removal of two artworks from the Public
Art Collection. Deaccessioning is a necessary part of collection management and Council understands that artworks may, due to a variety of circumstances such as age, damage, or location, be deemed no longer appropriate to the community’s needs.
• Ongoing maintenance of the Public Art Collection was carried out including cleaning and renewal of the bronze figures on Baylis Street, graffiti removal and general cleaning of multiple artworks, and purchase of materials to renew bench seats around the Wollundry Lagoon Cultural Precinct.
Strategy: Value our heritage
Council's objective in building and planning is to promote development while preserving the ambiance of the area along with its historical heritage. In association with the NSW Heritage Branch of the Office of Environment and Heritage, Council provides grants to assist owners to undertake preservation works to items of environmental heritage or properties located within Wagga Wagga's Heritage Conservation Area. The aim of the grants is to provide financial assistance for projects and services that may include conservation works and maintenance works projects, adaptive reuse projects, interpretation projects and conservation management plans.
Strategy: Provide services and facilities that make Wagga Wagga a centre for arts and culture
Cultural Plan
The Wagga Wagga City Council Cultural Plan 2020-2030 is a blueprint for a creative city that puts art and culture at the heart of a thriving, innovative, connected and inclusive community.
Key activities in 2023/24
Councillors resolved at the Ordinary Meeting on 11 June 2024 to endorse the Civic Theatre - Performing Arts Masterplan and for Council staff to pursue future funding opportunities, for the continued planning and designing of this project, as they arise (1.03 Expand the Wagga Wagga Civic Theatre).
Councillors resolved at the Ordinary Meeting on 13 May 2024 for Council staff to pursue future funding opportunities, for the continued planning of the Riverside Stage 3 project which includes a major entertainment and conferencing centre incorporating a First Nation’s cultural centre, as they arise (1.06 Establish and exhibition and visitor space on the river; 2.03 Support the establishment of a Keeping Place for Wiradjuri cultural heritage in Wagga Wagga).
Two female Wiradjuri/Wiradyuri artists were endorsed by Council on 24 June 2024 to design and install two artworks in the Riverside precinct. The site chosen for installation 'The Rocks' is known as a traditional birthing site for women and the artworks selected will celebrate the significance of the site for women in the Wiradjuri/Wiradyuri community (2.02 Commission a significant public artwork within the Riverside precinct that celebrates Wiradjuri heritage and culture).
The Live Music Kit has been utilised by community members and organisations for six different events in the 23/24 period including the International Day of People with Disability Celebration, Mawang ngiyanhi bala Yurruwala community event, and Youth Week Fun Day at Chambers Park in Tolland. The Live Music Kit has also enhanced Council led events such as Spring Jam, FUSION, Festival of W and the Youth Week 2024 Busking Competition (2.12 Develop a Live Music and Events Kit for community events in parks and open spaces).
Staffing resources were allocated to the Council-run events of Spring Jam (Botanic Gardens, September 2023), FUSION Botanical (Botanic Gardens, October 2023), and Back to School Party (Chambers Park Tolland, January 2024). The Agile Library Service successfully engaged with the community in the suburbs and neighbourhoods of Ashmont, Tolland, Glenfield Park, Turvey Park, Kooringal, Lake Albert, Boorooma and Estella throughout 2023/24 (2.24 Allocate resources to neighbourhood activation and events).
Established School Based Apprenticeships and Traineeships (SBATs) program with local schools along with professional traineeship opportunities.The following traineeships and SBAT’s have now commenced within Community Services:
• Trainee Technician - Civic Theatre
• Venue and Events Trainee (SBAT) - Civic Theatre
• Marketing Trainee (SBAT) - Civic Theatre
• Technical Trainee (SBAT) - Civic Theatre
• Venue and Events Trainee - Civic Theatre
• Visitor Economy and Events (SBAT) - Visitor Information Centre
In addition, Council maintained Service Level Agreements with local community and artistic organisations including Eastern Riverina Arts, Riverina Conservatorium of Music, Booranga Writers’ Centre, Wagga Wagga Eisteddfod, School of Arts Community Theatre, and the Riverina Summer School for Strings. (2.38 Expand opportunities for early career internships and volunteering). Community place and identity
Strategy: Acknowledge and celebrate the contribution that people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds make to our community
Throughout the year, Council delivered culturally and linguistically diverse programs including the following highlights:
• Delivery of FUSION Botanical multicultural festival in partnership with the Wagga Wagga Multicultural Council on Saturday 21 October 2023 in the Botanic Gardens Precinct.
• Establishment of a multicultural youth group at the Wagga Wagga City Library
• Language Café, a weekly English language library program delivered three times per week by 41 trained volunteers.
• A conversational English language library program, Learn English and Play, was offered at Estella Public School and Ashmont Resource Centre for multicultural families with pre-school children.
• Fortnightly Storytime library sessions connecting with a multicultural playgroup, in partnership with Riverina TAFE were delivered at the Tolland Community Centre.
• 188 culturally and linguistically diverse programs were delivered during this period by the Wagga Wagga City Library including 36 x Tech Savvy community classes offered in the languages of Burmese, Dari, and Kurmanji which were presented by bilingual trainers from the local community to meet the needs of the participants in this program. 1200 new titles in 19 languages were made available through the eLibrary online platform.
• Expansion of the Community Languages Collection at the Wagga Wagga City Library
• First Nations Playgroups held at the Tolland-Glenfield Neighbourhood Centre, Ngurra Hub and Kooringal Neighbourhood Centre were provided with Storytime sessions and Agile Library visits along with a series of Tech Savvy Seniors classes held at these centres for Indigenous seniors, delivered by First Nations tutors.
Strategy: Support ongoing growth and investment of the Defence bases located in Wagga Wagga
Council recognises the significance of our local Defence bases, RAAF Base Wagga and Kapooka Military Area which are operated by the Australian Defence Force.
We are working closely with the Federal Government on the Riverina Redevelopment Program. The Program will upgrade or replace facilities at both the RAAF Base and Blamey Barracks, situated within the Kapooka Military area. These projects received approval in December 2023 and offer major growth and investment opportunities in our region.
Strategy: Support and grow strong and resilient village and neighbourhood communities
The 2024/25 Annual Grants Program application period opened on Monday 19 February 2024 and closed on Monday 6 May 2024. The program offered the opportunity for individuals, community groups and organisations to apply for funding for a range of programs and activities across the Local Government Area. The program consisted of 10 categories: Arts, Culture and Creative Industries, Community Programs and Projects, Events, Local Heritage, Environment, Neighbourhood and Rural Villages, Recreational and Community Facilities, Rural Halls, Youth Programs and Projects, and Small Business. A total of 93 applications were received for assessment in the 2024/25 Annual Grants Program, with $268,059 available inclusive of the 2023/24 uncommitted funds and additional funding made available to the Small Business, Events, and Environment categories. The total amount of funding requested by the community across all categories was $521,372.60. Details of the Annual Grants are included on page 78.
Community place and identity
100 playgrounds across the LGA with more than 500,000 visitors per year
Council carried out extensive community engagement in the villages for the development of the Wagga Wagga 2050 Community Strategic Plan and the CBD Masterplan. This consultation included in-person visits to conduct surveys and public meetings to gather feedback directly from residents. The aim of the engagement was to ensure the plans reflect the needs and aspirations of the broader local community. This engagement approach and nurturing of relationships will continue into future engagements and projects.
Strategy: Provide services that contribute to Wagga Wagga being family friendly
Council currently has 100 playgrounds across the LGA, with a replacement value of approximately $9.5 million with a combined annual usage more than 500,000 visitations. Following an internal review and additional public consultation, Council adopted the Playground Strategy 2024-2044 in July 2024, which has been developed to inform the community and guide all aspects of Council’s playground management for the next 20 years.
The primary purpose of the strategy is to:
• Reflect the community’s expectations through consultations and documenting the feedback received.
• Ensure the community has access to quality playgrounds for the next 20 years by applying best practice asset management principles.
• Ensure the future financial sustainability of the playground network. The strategy also provides guidelines on the maintenance and management of playgrounds.
Strategy: Support and acknowledge the importance of Wiradjuri/Wiradyuri and First Nations people, culture, and place in our community
By committing to our Reconciliation Action Plan 2022-2024 Council has made important changes towards recognising, supporting and honouring our First Nations and Wiradjuri/Wiradyuri community. Council continued to communicate its commitment to reconciliation publicly by conducting events recognising and/or celebrating Aboriginal culture and significance.
Key activities during this year included:
• The delivery of Sorry Day, Apology Day, Reconciliation Week and NAIDOC Week events and associated programming along with attendance at community events such as Yandarra Day in November 2023.
• Development of Council’s draft Aboriginal Employment and Retention Strategy.
• Council has focused on working to ensure Wiradjuri and First Nation’s People’s culture is promoted and visible in public spaces. A diverse range of public programs and exhibitions were delivered and promoted across Council’s cultural facilities including the Wagga Wagga City Library, Wagga Wagga Art Gallery, Museum of the Riverina and Civic Theatre.
• Council staff from across the organisation regularly consult with members of Mawang Gaway and other First Nations cultural knowledge holders on a wide range of programs, exhibitions and projects and seek guidance on future projects and strategic planning processes.
• Council’s Executive team met with Wiradjuri Elders on a regular basis throughout the year.
• When acquiring corporate gifts, Council purchased gifts from Wiradjuri and First Nations artists selling their artwork at Council locations including the Wagga Wagga Art Gallery and Visitor Information Centre.
• First Nations traineeships including Environmental Health Officer and Aboriginal Community Development trainee.
• To commence each calendar year at the first Ordinary Council meeting, an Elder is engaged to conduct a Welcome to Country.
• Wiradjuri language was included in promotional guides and campaigns for example the annual Wagga Wagga Visitor Guide publication.
• Establishment of the Elsa Dixon First Nations Artist in Residence program at the Wagga Wagga Art Gallery.
• The Library Service connected with the Wiradjuri and First Nations Playgroups in the suburbs of Tolland and Ashmont. Wiradjuri and First Nations Tech Savvy classes were also delivered at two suburban neighbourhood centres in Ashmont and Tolland. Classes were also delivered at the Library in the Civic Centre which were funded by Telstra and facilitated by Indigenous tutors employed to support this program.
Objective: Our community feels welcome, included and connected
Strategy: Activate community spaces to promote connectedness
Council opened the doors of the Duke of Kent Community Building in June 2024. This new versatile facility includes a new sound system, soundproof wall divider and new office space, which will serve multiple user groups. External upgrades include a new 22-space carpark, solar panels and upgraded storm water and sewer systems along with a multi-purpose undercover area. The $800,000 project will serve the community for decades to come.
Strategy: Provide programs and activities to bring us together
The All Abilities Inclusion Action Plan continued to be implemented working in partnership with the Wagga Access Reference Group with all actions progressed during this year with a particular focus on the activation of community spaces to promote accessibility and community connectedness. Council led programs and events considered accessibility including: quiet spaces programmed at Spring Jam Children's Festival, sensory sessions programmed at Festival of W, Civic Theatre, Art Gallery, Library and Museum, track matting provided for mobility access at the Back to School Party event in Tolland and all ability dance sessions delivered during Youth Week 2024.
Youth Inclusion key projects/program highlights:
• Establishment of the Multicultural Youth Group (MYG), a joint initiative between Wagga Wagga City Library and Service for the Treatment and Rehabilitation of Torture and Trauma Survivors (STARTTS) specifically targeting young people from diverse refugee backgrounds aged 18-24 years old.
• Employment of School Based Apprenticeships and Traineeships (SBATS) at Council.
• Delivery of the annual Plug and Play mentoring program supporting emerging musicians and performers aged 14 – 25 years to develop their music, business and production skills.
• Balcony Sessions live music program at the Civic Theatre featuring young emerging musicians and performers.
• Delivery of Wagga Wagga Youth Festival in April 2024 with programming informed by the results of a city-wide youth survey with a focus on mental health, creative skills development, financial literacy and wellbeing programs.
• Funding youth-ed initiatives through the Annual Grants Program.
• Inclusion of young people in the development and delivery of a wide range of projects and programs at the Wagga Wagga City Library, Art Gallery, Civic Theatre and Museum throughout the year.
Our cultural facilities
Wagga Wagga City Library
• Provided a 52-hour, 7-day per week service from the Civic Centre site, with the Agile Library weekly service visiting the 9 rural villages and 11 suburban sites across the local government area.
• The eLibrary provided library members with 24/7 access to digital collections, with 22% of Library visitations being online through the virtual front door.
• Implemented innovative and accessible partnerships and programs including the Agile Library pop-ups series at community festivals and events across the year, including Yandarra Day 2023, Spring Jam Children’s Festival and FUSION Botanical Multicultural Festival.
• Supported community groups and organisations through the provision of meeting spaces and resources at the Civic Centre site. Additional multicultural and Home Library resources and Large Print collection items were acquired increasing access to print and digital resources.
• Delivered bilingual Tech Savvy Communities classes, Learn English and Play (LEAP) program for multicultural families with pre-schoolers and weekly Language Café English conversation classes. The Agile Library and Outreach Services supported the multicultural playgroup at the Tolland Neighbourhood Centre and Indigenous Playgroups at Ashmont and Kooringal.
• A highlight of the library’s multicultural youth group was the development and display of a youth photography exhibition promoting the voices and interests of young culturally and linguistically diverse members of the community.
• Delivered the First Nations Seniors Tech Help program facilitated by First Nations tutors at various neighbourhood centres across the city including Tolland and Ashmont.
• Lifelong learning and community connection programs, including regular multicultural, seniors, intergenerational and early literacy programs, a year-long series of pop-up creative workshops and school holiday programs were presented in rural villages and suburban locations across the Local Government Area.
Wagga Wagga Art Gallery
• Received a Museum and Galleries NSW Imagine Award – Highly Commended for the Wagga Wagga Art Gallery’s 2023 Green Exhibition and Public Program.
• Presented an annual Regional Artist Development (RAD) Residency program offering mentored opportunities to Riverina based early career artists to exhibit (x3) and undertake residencies (x3) including Sophie Chauncy, Kate Smith and Melissa Martin along.
• Supported the Elsa Dixon First Nations Artist in Residence, Juanita McLauchlan to continue to develop her arts practice and take up opportunities to exhibit her work in metropolitan centres of Sydney and Melbourne.
• Supported a curator in residence, Hayley Megan French, to work with local artist Julia Roche and continued to support local artists and artisans through stocking their work in the Gallery retail shop.
• Exhibitions presented in 2023/24 financial year included The Good - Anna Louise Richardson, co-curated by Dr Lee-Anne Hall from the Wagga Wagga Art Gallery and Rachel Arndt from the Wangaratta Regional Gallery; See You in Hell featuring the works of Louise Zhang and Jessica Bradford and curated by Wagga Wagga Art Gallery with special events such as the Wiradjuri Creatives Program presented during the year.
• Education and public program highlights included the delivery of the popular 'Summer Artcamp' program, After School art program 'Take off at Four'; the Young at Heart program for babies and their carers/parents’ program.
• Group tours were hosted regularly with school groups, TAFE students, University of the Third Age, Language Cafe participants with artist talks and seasonal launches presented through the year.
Museum of the Riverina
• The Museum's Botanic Gardens site was officially reopened in February 2023, with the new Lord Baden Powell Drive pedestrian link and road upgrade completed in late December 2023.
• Awarded two Museum and Galleries NSW Imagine Awards 2023 including Highly Commended Award for the new semi-permanent exhibition and Winner for Return: Reconnecting objects and collection with people and places symposium.
• Renewed the Lease Agreement with Wagga Wagga & District Historical Society (Botanic Gardens site) for 25 years (2024–2049).
• Secured a $50,000 (ex GST) Community Heritage Grant funding from the State Government, Department of Planning and Environments to research and record local Wiradjuri/Wiradyuri and First Nation oral histories. This two-year project fulfills action 7.9 in Council’s Reconciliation Action Plan and is due to be completed by 30 June 2025. These oral histories will be produced as podcasts and will include interviews with 13 local Wiradjuri/Wiradyuri and First Nations families who were part of the resettlement scheme to Wagga Wagga in the early 1970s. Many of these residents went on to contribute toward the establishment of a wide range of services for local Wiradjuri/Wiradyuri and First Nations community in the city, for example Wiradjuri/ Wiradyuri Childcare, Riverina Medical and a local branch of the Aboriginal Legal Service.
• Completed the Create NSW $40,300 funded Digital Storytelling Project – Wagga Wagga Women’s Health Centre Collection project. This project included the digitisation of the Wagga Wagga Women’s Health Centre collection increasing the accessibility of this collection to researchers and the general community.
• Upgraded external lighting, security cameras and fencing and tinting treatment on windows and doors at the Museum Botanic Gardens site to stabilise the environmental temperature for exhibition spaces and to meet museum standards for the collections on display.
• A diverse range of public programs, including bookable education school and adult/ family weekend tour experiences, were offered during 2023/24 financial year, along with group and individual bookings for workshops, author talks and special events, including stargazing, military history and environmental walks around Willans Hill.
• Learning resources were developed for primary school tours, family friendly workshops and events with a particular focus on Wiradjuri/Wiradyuri and First Nations storytelling along with regular school holiday and weekend programs.
• Presented temporary exhibitions focused on presenting Women's history and the Bald Archy Portrait Prize 2023, coordinated the 2024 Bald Archy Portrait Prize and tour schedule through NSW and Victoria along with presenting public programs focused on environmental, storytelling and curriculum based and school holiday programming.
Civic Theatre
• Council endorsed the Civic Theatre Performing Arts Masterplan, which was adopted 11 June 2024. While it was on public exhibition, 95.5% of submissions indicated a supportive view towards the draft. The masterplan, when funded, will see the Civic Theatre undergo major renovations with the addition of state-of-the art facilities providing multi-programming spaces on one site, transforming the performing arts audience capacity from 491 to 1465 with the addition of two new venue spaces.
• The Civic Theatre provided services and facilities to local users and community groups, touring hirers, major performing arts organisations and contemporary music promotors, with over 180 performances presented. Highlights included Bidgee
Theatre Company's Priscilla: Queen of the Desert, the NSW Local Government Conference, Mater Dei Catholic College’s Grease the Musical, Murrumbidgee Local Health District’s Excellence Awards, Training Services NSW Riverina Training Awards, Cosentino, Kasey Chambers, Brad Cox, The Robertson Brothers and Ian Moss.
• Season works highlights included nationally acclaimed companies such as Bangarra Dance Theatre, Bell Shakespeare and Flying Fruit Fly Circus, and the Wagga Comedy Fest 2023 was presented to sell-out crowds.
• Community engagement programming highlights included 8 free performances of the Australian Army Band Kapooka and delivering the 'Helping hand' program, an initiative where theatre goers can contribute financially to a fund that supports young people living in the Wagga Wagga Local Government Area to access and engage with Civic Theatre.
• Balcony Sessions was presented in partnership with local music group The Groove Factory featuring emerging singers and musicians, and Sundown Sessions, a twoweek long music festival which featured local acts such as Bidgee Blues Club, Riverina Conservatorium of Music, Riverina Youth Theatre & local jazz performers.
• 3 School-Based Trainees (SBATs) were employed at the Civic Theatre this year.
• Air conditioning was installed at back of house and external sheeting on the building was upgraded as part of a scheduled maintenance program.
Duke of Kent Community Building completed
Achievements
Completed business case for proposed Cultural Centre
Storytime and library services for First Nations families in Ashmont and Kooringal
22% of library visitations online through virtual front door
All-abilities dance program presented at FRESH
Our community are proud of where we live and our identity
Council Community Satisfaction Survey
Council Community Satisfaction Survey
Council Community Satisfaction Survey
Community satisfaction with Council cultural facilities is increasing
Community satisfaction with promoting pride in the community is increasing
Community satisfaction with enhancing of heritage buildings and programs is increasing
The Regional Wellbeing Survey The proportion of people who agree ‘my community is a great place to live’ is increasing
Wagga Wagga Community Profile ID
Council Community Satisfaction Survey
The proportion of the community who ‘speaks a language other than English at home’ is increasing
The proportion of people who agree ‘I am able to participate in arts and cultural related activities’ is increasing
Our community feel welcome, included and connected
The environment
The environment
549 development applications were approved
Objective: Future growth and development of Wagga Wagga is planned for in a sustainable manner
Strategy: Ensure sustainable urban development
Council has continued to implement the adopted Local Strategic Planning Statement, including preparation of the CBD Masterplan, the Northern Growth Area Structure Plan, and the Wagga Wagga Housing Strategy. Council undertook preliminary consultation on the Housing Strategy in the second half of 2023 and prepared a draft strategy incorporating both stakeholder feedback and data. Council has continued to assess scoping and planning proposals lodged for various developments across the LGA, including residential subdivisions.
Development applications
• Approved 549 in total
• Total construction value based on determined development applications: $215,196,744.36.
Residential (dwelling, domestic and multi-residential)
• 65 Complying Development Certificates Approved = $4,478,495.00
Modifications (Minor/Major/Review)
• 118 Development Application Modifications Approved = $64,570,121.00
Approved by delegation type
• Portal = 549
• Panel = 0
Strategy: Provide for a diversity of housing that meets our needs
The Tolland Renewal Project has seen Council collaborate with State Government on enabling and delivering social, affordable, seniors and private housing in the LGA. Council adopted the Tolland Concept Masterplan in May 2024 following community consultation at the end of 2023. Council undertook early consultation on the Housing Strategy in the second half of 2023 and prepared a draft Strategy incorporating both stakeholder feedback and data.
Furthermore, Council has approved several higher density buildings proposed within the CBD. These developments are designed to support the ongoing expansion of the CBD and align with the broader objectives outlined in the CBD Masterplan.
The introduction of higher density buildings will not only enhance the urban landscape but also increase housing availability in the area, making it more attractive to residents and businesses alike. By promoting higher-density living options, Council aims to create a vibrant, walkable environment that encourages community engagement and supports local businesses.
Objective: Our natural areas are protected and enhanced
Strategy: Preserve and improve our natural assets
Biodiversity Strategy
The Biodiversity Strategy: Maldhangilanha 2020-2030 aims to increase awareness and address a wide range of key threatening processes impacting our local biodiversity. The benefits gained from biodiversity are shared by everyone, and so is the responsibility to address its serious decline.
Key activities from the strategy that have been actioned within the 2023/24 period include:
• Adopting the Arboreal Mammal Management Plan aiming to protect, enhance and increase targeted arboreal habitat, in turn increasing population numbers.
• Replacing barb wire within the Silvalite Reserve with plain wire to eliminate the risk of wildlife entanglement, in particular, the locally endangered Squirrel Glider.
• Strengthening environmental practices through reviewing and updating Development Control Plans, management of asset protection zones and Council's engineering guidelines.
• Monitoring of green guidepost areas and significant vegetated areas within the LGA.
• Installing five additional nest boxes within Rocky Hill Reserve to provide habitat for
2000
trees, shrubs and grasses were planted by the community for National Tree Day
local woodland birds.
• Continuing to implement the One Tree for Me (OT4M) campaign by giving away thousands of free native seedlings to local households.
• Planting over 2000 trees, shrubs and grasses through the community National Tree Day initiative and supporting schools to participate in Schools National Tree Day by providing free native seedlings.
• Continuing to implement the Bomen Revegetation Project in partnership with Spark and Westpac by planting an additional 10,000 seedlings in winter 2024.
Weeds and Biosecurity
Council has a statutory responsibility under the NSW Biosecurity Act 2015 to control priority weeds of concern on its own land and inspect private land to ensure compliance. Council officers have inspected and sprayed priority weeds on majority of our rural roads, and conducted 150 inspections of high-risk pathways and properties to reduce the spread of weeds and minimise its impact on local biodiversity and local agriculture.
Objective: Our built environment is functional, attractive and health promoting
Strategy: Look after and maintain community assets
Cemetery and Crematorium
We have an ongoing commitment to show our respect to those who have passed. We have dedicated staff who manage our four rural cemeteries, one monumental cemetery and one lawn cemetery. Our cemetery plays a vital role in the community by offering a peaceful and welcoming space for the public to visit and honor their deceased loved ones.
The Council meticulously maintains the lawns and gardens of all sites. The Lawn Cemetery is serviced weekly, the Monumental Cemetery fortnightly, and the rural cemeteries monthly. In addition to regular beautification of the sites, Council provides services for burials, cremations, ash interments, and chapel hire. We are also exploring future funding options to add a function room, allowing us to offer a complete funeral package at one location.
Our Monumental Cemetery accommodates various religious groups to meet the diverse needs of our community in our ever-expanding city.
Sewer and Storm Water
Council’s sewerage network comprises 698 kilometres of sewer mains, 21,574 manholes, 41 pump stations, and 8 treatment plants. Additionally, the Council oversees the maintenance and operations of a stormwater network that includes 466 kilometres of pipes, 14,318 pits, and 5 pump stations. All services are operated with 100% reliability and compliance, with no odour complaints recorded. The recent renewal of asset management plans underscores our commitment to prioritising and focusing on the effective management of these vital assets throughout the area.
The 2023/24 sewer main jetting and Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) inspection program supports our ongoing sewer main renewal efforts. Our consistent supply of 293 million litres of recycled water helps sustain public spaces and customer needs, creating vibrant, green areas for residents and visitors to enjoy. Additionally, we successfully reused all 7154 tonnes of our biosolids on agricultural land, providing environmental benefits to the region.
Strategy: Create an attractive city
Council has planted 654 new trees, enhancing the beauty and appeal of our streets. Our trees also help reduce temperatures, with cooling effects ranging from 1 to 8ºC, saving homeowners an average of $242 annually on cooling costs. Additionally, urban forests can store 2.6 tons of carbon per acre each year, mitigate salinity by absorbing rainwater and groundwater, reduce stormwater runoff to prevent flooding and pollution, and introduce natural elements and wildlife habitats into our urban environment.
The Sports Grounds team manages approximately 140 hectares across 20 sites, including 57 hectares of playing surfaces, gardens, and skate parks. Our maintenance work includes:
• Mowing ovals
• Installing and maintaining irrigation systems
• Applying fertilisers
• Treating pests, diseases, and weeds
• Renovating playing surfaces
137 bookings were made for the Riverside Precinct, Victory Memorial Gardens and Collins Park.
Renovation techniques include aeration, scarifying, topdressing, and soil amendments to ensure the turf has optimal growing conditions.
One of the key methods we use to enhance the visual appeal of our grounds is grass striping, which creates a striking ribbon effect. In the right lighting, this technique delivers a highly aesthetic look, as shown in the attached photos of our premier ovals.
Strategy: Improve the facilities of our spaces and places
To support our goal of improving the facilities in our spaces and places, several key upgrades were completed in 2023/24, including:
• Civic Theatre: external sheeting replacement and upgrades to safe working at height systems.
• Glass Gallery: lift control upgrade.
• Multi-Purpose Stadium: installation of a 50kW solar system.
• Wiradjuri Amenities: enhanced security with CCTV camera installation.
Through the Black Summer Bushfire Recovery grants, our Facilities Management team also completed various upgrades to Tarcutta Hall, Oberne Hall, and Humula School.
In addition, we maintained and refurbished:
• 185 seats/benches
• 55 tables
• 100 rubbish bins
These improvements have contributed to increased community engagement, with 137 bookings for the Riverside Precinct, Victory Memorial Gardens and Collins Park.
Objective: Wagga Wagga is sustainable, liveable, and resilient to the impacts of climate change
Strategy: Educate and engage our community in sustainability
Council staff run a program of events and activities to engage the local community in environmental sustainability initiatives. In the 2023/24 period Council ran 34 community events and 19 school engagement sessions that included:
• The One Tree for Me free native seedling giveaway program at different suburbs across the community.
• A record number of attendees at National Tree Day in July 2023.
• Coordinated smaller community planting events at Horsley Park in Kooringal and at Uranquinty.
• Supported community participation in Clean Up Australia Day, the Aussie Backyard Bird Count and the national Garage Sale Trail.
• Coordinated workshops for National Science Week and Plastic Free July.
• Collaborated with Australia Museum and the Art Gallery on a Sustainable Futures exhibition that engaged 1543 members of the public.
• Facilitating 19 excursions and incursions across various local schools, coordinating various engagement activities involving 864 students.
Strategy: Work towards net zero emissions for Council by 2040
Council adopted the Corporate Net Zero Emissions 2040 Strategy in 2022. This Strategy includes recommended actions to reduce emissions from electricity, gas, fuel, waste to landfill and from wastewater treatment. Council’s corporate scope 1 and scope 2 emissions for the 2023/24 period are around 75,000t CO2e which has slightly increased on the previous year.
Corporate Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions
Key activities from the strategy that have been actioned within the 2023/24 period include:
• Installing solar systems on Council assets at the Multi-Purpose Stadium at the Equex Centre and the Duke of Kent Community Building.
• Installing efficient heat pump hot water systems at 17 Council sites.
• Undertaking Tariff analysis of 200 electricity accounts for Council sites.
• Flaring methane captured at the Gregadoo Waste Management Centre.
• Diverting Food Organics and Garden Organics (FOGO) from landfill.
• Ongoing participation in the Canberra Region Joint Organisation (CRJO) Net Zero Program.
• Employing an all-electric design for the new Jim Elphick Tennis Centre.
• Extending the Council car-pool fleet to three fully electric vehicles.
Strategy: Support and empower our community to reach 50% reduction in emissions compared to 2005 levels by 2030 and to achieve Net Zero Emissions by 2050
Wagga Wagga’s pathway to net zero
Council adopted the Community Net Zero Emissions Roadmap 2050 in November 2023. The Roadmap outlines the State and local community target of achieving reduced emissions of 50% by 2030 and net zero by 2050. The Roadmap aims to educate the wider community on the variety of options they have to take direct action and contribute to the targets.
Balancing greenhouse gas emissions and removals
As shown below, the most recent data (2019) from the NSW Government dashboard indicates the LGA has net emissions of approximately 1,027,561 tCO2e from electricity and gas (energy), burning of fuel for road, rail and air transport (transport), on-farm agricultural practices (agriculture), waste from landfill and wastewater treatment (waste), industrial processes, product use and fugitive emissions (IPPU), and an overall sequestration of carbon from land use, land use change and forestry (LULUCF).
Council facilitates six-monthly Net Zero Forums comprising representatives from community groups, local business groups and various State Government agencies. The Forum helps to disseminate information and report back on actions and initiatives related to energy, transport, waste, agriculture and land use.
What is “Net Zero”?
Some of the relevant actions undertaken by Council in 2023/24 related to this include:
• Installing a fifth 22 kW public EV charger station in our LGA.
• Organising free community access to the premium Sunspot solar and battery evaluation tool and calculator.
• Running a weekly ‘Sunspot Community Help Desk’ in the library to assist residents that need help using the tool.
• Introducing four ‘Home Energy Efficiency Kits’ into the library for residents to borrow.
Emission Absorption
• Regular promotion of NSW Government initiatives, grants and rebates for home and business related to energy efficiency, solar and batteries, EVs and EV chargers, waste and circular economy, carbon and biodiversity credits.
Wagga Wagga’s emission sources
Net zero means striking a balance between greenhouse gases emitted and greenhouse gases absorbed out of the atmosphere i.e. the natural world is absorbing the same amount that is being produced. Our net zero targets
net zero by 2030
net zero by 2050
Land use, land use change and forestry (stores
The Wagga Wagga LGA’s target
Strategy: Adapt to our changing climate
Urban Cooling Strategy
The Urban Cooling Strategy 2022-2052 aims to increase community health, well-being and resilience through planning more sustainable future developments and adapting our existing areas wherever possible to help reduce the impact of increasing temperatures and heat waves on the community.
Council has completed various relevant initiatives within the 2023/24 period including:
• Planting of 93 semi-mature trees along the active travel path in Bourke Street to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the arrival of the Presentation Sisters in the region.
• Providing online access to the canopy and land surface temperature mapping tool for the community to use.
• Facilitating ‘Cool Schools’ workshop sessions to local schools.
• Mapping of 72 priority bus stops requiring additional shade.
• Identifying Council buildings with high surface temperature to target for future funding of retrofits and upgrades related to urban heat.
• Applying for funding through Transgrid to trial vegetated easements.
• Giving away thousands of free native seedlings for residents to plant at home through the One Tree for Me program.
Resilience Blueprint
Council participated in the development of the South East NSW Resilience Blueprint with the Canberra Region Joint Organisation (CRJO). This project is jointly funded by the Commonwealth and the NSW Government through grants awarded under the Bushfire Community Recovery and Resilience Fund and the Bushfire Local Economic Recovery Fund. It provides the framework to consider our current approaches to and building on our existing levels of resilience, and how we can continue to grow and extend our efforts over time through a range of processes, including disaster risk reduction.
Regional Drought Resilience
Council has accepted funding for the development and implementation of a drought resilience plan from the Regional Drought Resilience Planning program which is cofunded by the NSW Government and the Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund.
The program aims to encourage plans for drought resilience beyond water security, considering environmental and social resilience needs, and aims to encourage regional communities to be better prepared for drought through planning ahead, with consideration for environmental and social needs. Information gathered from the community and stakeholders will be used to identify key concerns and areas of improvement for drought resilience along with development of the draft plan in 2024/25.
FloodFutures
Flood management is something that affects us all and Council is continuing a long-term conversation with the community regarding all aspects of flood management.
FloodFutures is an ongoing discussion on how we as a community manage living on the floodplain. Your input is needed on plans, studies and projects as they are developed to ensure your voice informs decisions on flood protection, mitigation and management.
Strategy: Minimise our impact on the environment
Environmental Impact Assessment
Council has a statutory responsibility under various state and federal legislation (NSW Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016, NSW Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979, Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999) to consider the environmental impacts of Council’s projects and activities, including road construction and maintenance works.
Council routinely undertakes a review of environmental factors (REF) or other environmental impact assessment for projects.
Urban Salinity
Urban salinity is recognised as one of Wagga Wagga’s most significant land degradation concerns, impacting on all members of the community by damaging infrastructure and the surrounding natural environment through loss of vegetation. Council works with the community to adopt management practices to reduce salinity in the urban area including development controls and revegetation works. The status of urban salinity is monitored through an extensive network of over 200 piezometers and reported annually.
Environment Protection Licences
Council has Environment Protection Licences issued by the NSW EPA for the Gregadoo Waste Management Centre, the Livestock Marketing Centre, the Kooringal Sewage Treatment Plant and the Narrung Sewage Treatment Plant. To ensure compliance with these licences and to minimise environmental impact each site has a Pollution Incident Response Management Plan, a site-specific monitoring regime and annual reporting requirements.
Contaminated Sites
Council has a dual role in both complying with and regulating pollution and contamination matters under various legislation including the NSW Protection of the Environment Operations Act 1997, NSW Underground Petroleum Storage Systems Regulation 2019, NSW Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 and the NSW Contaminated Land Management Act 1995.
Council owned contaminated sites include the former Tarcutta Street Gasworks site, which has been remediated but will continue to be monitored for many more years in line with the EPA required Environmental Management Plan, and the former Wiradjuri Landfill site which is currently undergoing a remediation process and will also be subject to an Environmental Management Plan and ongoing monitoring.
Strategy: Transition towards a circular economy through more sustainable resource
use
Council is committed to delivering comprehensive waste management and recycling services that are specifically designed to meet the unique needs of our community. Central to these efforts is the Gregadoo Waste Management Centre (GWMC). GWMC is complemented by seven rural transfer stations strategically located throughout the region. This network ensures that all residents have easy access to effective waste disposal options.
We are actively enhancing our kerbside waste collection services, improving commercial waste management and developing a local recycling shop to promote sustainable practices. Our goal is not only to manage waste efficiently but also to foster a culture of recycling and environmental responsibility within the community.
Over the past year, we witnessed a remarkable achievement: a total of 61,488.19 tonnes of waste was sent to landfill, reflecting a significant reduction of 7411.81 tonnes compared to the previous year. This reduction underscores our ongoing commitment to minimising waste and promoting responsible disposal practices. Additionally, we collected an impressive 4396.40 tonnes of recyclable materials and 12,657.40 tonnes of Food Organics and Garden Organics (FOGO) through our kerbside bins, further demonstrating the community's dedication to sustainable waste management. Together, we are making strides toward a cleaner, greener future for our region, and we encourage all community members to participate in these vital efforts.
Achievements
549 Development Applications approved
11,000+ native seedlings planted
274 construction certificates approved Adoption of the Tolland Concept Masterplan
654 new street trees planted
800m of barb wire replaced with plain wire to reduce risk of wildlife entanglement
137 bookings for the Riverside Precinct, Victory Memorial Gardens and Collins Park
34 environmental sustainability events and 19 school engagement sessions
7412 tonnes reduction of waste sent to landfill compared to last year
Future growth and development of Wagga Wagga is planned for in a sustainable manner
Source
Council data
Australian Bureau of Statistics
- Census
Australian Bureau of Statistics - Census
indicator
Number of hectares of open space meets Recreation, Open Space and Community Spaces requirements.
Note: Actual is the average across the Wagga Wagga LGA
Percentage of households where mortgage repayments are 30% of household income or less is maintained / increased
Percentage of households where rent payments are 30% of household income or less is maintained / increased
Our natural areas are protected and enhanced
Australian Bureau of Statistics
Council Community Satisfaction Survey
Number of hectares of protected natural vegetation is increasing.
Baseline: 2020 Actual: 2023/24
Community satisfaction with protecting the natural environment is increasing
The Regional Wellbeing Survey The proportion of people who rated ‘environmental degradation in general’ as no/low problem is increasing
Our built environment is functional, attractive and health promoting
with the appearance of Wagga Wagga is increasing
Council Community Satisfaction Survey
Council Community Satisfaction Survey
Council Community Satisfaction Survey
Council data
satisfaction with reserves and open spaces is increasing
Community satisfaction with community buildings / halls is increasing
satisfaction with parks and playgrounds is increasing
Number of days reporting as ‘poor water quality’ in Lake Albert is decreasing
NSW Department of Planning and Environment data Number of days considered as having unhealthy air quality is decreasing
Council data
Council data
The percentage of shade provided within public open spaces and places is increasing
Number of trees planted by Council
Baseline: Environmental team
17,500 Street, Park and Open Space 989
Actual: Environmental team
12,117 Street, Park and Open Space 654
Playgrounds with shade for carers who are sitting 90% Playgrounds with reasonable shade over equipment 29%
Wagga Wagga is sustainable, liveable, and resilient to the impacts of climate change
Government
Essential Energy data
Baseline: 2019/20 Actual: 2020/21
Electricity consumption per customer is decreasing
Baseline: 2020/21 Actual: 2022/23
Council
Council data Kg of kerbside recycling per capita
Note: Community Earn and Return recycling facilities have impacted the volume of kerbside recycling this FY
of organics
Riverina Water data Per capita water usage
Baseline: 2020/21 Actual: 2023/24
Australian PV Institute
Number of small-scale solar panel system installations is increasing, with 9,461 solar panels installed from 2023/24 compared to 7,593 last year.
Part 2 Statutory Information
Delivery Program / Operational Plan
The Delivery Program outlines the commitment of Council to work towards the objectives and strategies set out in the Community Strategic Plan 2040. The Operational Plan is a detailed annual blueprint which sets out the projects, services, and programs that Council will deliver to achieve its Delivery Program, and the CSP. To ensure effective monitoring and accountability, each division within the Council is required to complete detailed reports on their progress with the operational action items every six months.
These reports provide an in-depth assessment of how well the divisions are executing their responsibilities as outlined in the 2023/24 Operational Plan. Over the span of the year, the Council’s designated officers have been responsible for tracking and managing a total of 282 distinct actions. This rigorous oversight is crucial for maintaining progress toward the Council’s broader strategic goals and ensuring that all initiatives are executed efficiently and effectively.
Status of Council Operational Plan 2024 action items
A full list of Council’s plans and reports can be found on our website: wagga.nsw.gov.au/the-council/planning-and-reporting
Council’s progress on Service Reviews
In accordance with Local Government Act, Section 428 (3) and Integrated Planning and Performance Guidelines, Essential Element 5.3 Council has met all the required sections under this act.
IPR guidelines adherence
In accordance with the Local Government Act 1993, Section 428 (4) (b). Council has met all the required sections under this act.
State of the City Report
In accordance with the Integrated Planning and Reporting (IPR) Guidelines.
Council has prepared a State of the City report, which was presented to our current councillors, and to be presented to our incoming councillors at their second Council meeting.
A copy of the report can be found on Council’s website: wagga.nsw.gov.au/the-council/planning-and-reporting/ community-reporting/end-of-term-reports
Modern Slavery Statement
This Modern Slavery Statement is provided by Wagga Wagga City Council in accordance with Section 428(4) of the NSW Local Government Act 1993.
This statement outlines Council’s commitment to combatting modern slavery and the measures we have implement during this reporting period to reduce the risk of our procurement activities resulting in or contributing to human rights violations.
Council has a centre-led procurement model that enables organisation members to undertake purchasing for their requirements. We recognise the importance of taking steps to ensure that goods and services procured by and for our Council are not the product of modern slavery.
Our supply chain includes suppliers for goods, materials and services. Council’s highest categories of spend include energy, civil and building construction, plant purchases, plant hire, services and software.
At the time of tender, modern slavery is considered via a questionnaire that is to be completed by each tenderer.
Modern Slavery Annual Reporting - July 2023 – June 2024
No significant issues were raised with Council by the Anti-slavery Commissioner as significant issues requiring action concerning the operations of Council.
Audited Financial Statements
In accordance with the Local Government Act 1993, Section 428 (4) (a).
Council’s Audited Financial Statements are in Part 3: Financial Statements of this document.
Environmental Upgrade Agreements
In accordance with the Local Government Act 1993, Section 54P (1) Council has no environmental upgrade agreements.
Rates and charges written off
In accordance with Local Government (General) Regulation 2021, Section 132.
During the 2023/24 financial year Council wrote-off $7,746 in rates and charges. This amount has been broken down by debtor type in the table below:
Special Rate Variation
In accordance with the Office of Local Governments, Guidelines for the Preparation of an Application for a Special Variation to General Income, Section 7.1 Council did not impose a special rate variation during the period of 2023/24.
Councillors training and attendance
In accordance with Local Government (General) Regulation 2021, Section 186. Councils are required to provide mayors and councillors with induction and professional development programs under Clauses 183 and 184 of the Local Government (General) Regulation 2021 (the Regulation). Councils are required to consider the Councillor Induction and Professional Development Guidelines issued under section 23A of the Act when undertaking these activities.
Under Clause 183 of the Regulation, the general manager must ensure that induction training is delivered to each councillor who has been elected to the Council for the first time and refresher training to each councillor who is re-elected to the Council, within 6 months of their election. The general manager must also ensure that an ongoing professional development program is delivered to the mayor and each other councillor over the course of their terms on Council.
Mayors and councillors are ultimately accountable to the community that elects them for the performance of their duties. To facilitate this accountability, councils are required under the Regulation to report each year in their annual reports on the participation of the mayor and each councillor in the induction and professional development program during that year.
The following professional development activities, including conferences, were undertaken by the mayor and each councillor to address any gaps in the capabilities (i.e. the knowledge, skills and attributes) needed to effectively fulfil their role. These activities are in addition to learning and developing from experience and through other opportunities, including mentoring, professional memberships and associations and self-directed learning.
Councillor Richard Foley
• Australian Institute of Company Directors’ Essentials for Local Government ($2500)
• LGNSW Annual Conference - 12 to 14 November 2023 October 2022 ($1155, plus travel and accommodation)
Councillor Rod Kendall
• NSW Public Libraries Association (NSWPLA) SWITCH 2023 Conference and Annual General Meeting – 14 to 17 November 2023 ($908, plus travel and accommodation)
• 2024 National Local Roads and Transport Congress – 3 June 2024 ($660, plus travel and accommodation)
Councillor Tim Koschel
• BTW Media – 19 October 2023 ($495)
• Australian Institute of Company Directors’ Company Directors Course (Council’s part contribution $1500)
Councillor Georgie Davies
• BTW Media – 19 October 2023 ($495)
• LGNSW Annual Conference - 12 to 14 November 2023 October 2022 ($1155, plus travel and accommodation)
• 2024 Floodplain Management Australia National Conference – 21 to 24 May 2024 ($1350, plus travel and accommodation)
Councillor Amelia Parkins
• Australian Institute of Company Directors’ Essentials for Local Government Course $2500)
• LGNSW Annual Conference - 12 to 14 November 2023 October 2022 ($1155, plus travel and accommodation)
Councillor Dallas Tout
• Climate Summit for Local Government - 6-8 September 2023 ($880, plus travel and accommodation)
• LGNSW Annual Conference - 12 to 14 November 2023 ($1155, plus travel and accommodation)
• NSW Public Libraries Association (NSWPLA) SWITCH 2023 Conference and Annual General Meeting – 14 to 17 November 2023 – Nil cost
• Destination and Visitor Economy Conference - 28 - 30 May 2024 ($1050)
Overseas visits by councillors, Council staff or other persons representing Council
In accordance with the Local Government (General) Regulation 2021, Reg 217 (1) (a)
No overseas travel was undertaken by councillors, staff, or representatives of Council during the period of 2023/24.
Councillor expenses
In accordance with the Local Government (General) Regulation 2021, Reg 217 (1) (a1) (i), (ii), (iii), (iiia), (iv), (v), (vi), (viii)
Table 2 provides a breakdown of costs associated with councillors over the 2023/24 financial year.
Table 2: Councillor expenses.
In accordance with the Local Government (General) Regulation 2021, Reg 217 (1) (a2) (i), (ii) Contracts awarded for amounts greater than $150,000.
The below table provides a breakdown of contracts awarded in the 2023/2024 financial year exceeding $150,000 in value.
CT2024028 Road Pavement Materials Supply
Bald Hill Quarry, Burgess Earthmoving Pty Ltd, Milbrae Concrete, Quarries and Mining Services, Rocky Point Quarries Pty Ltd
CT2024023 2024-03 Roadside Vegetation Mgt and Grounds Maintenance Services
Andrew Hamilton Tree Services, Peter Ingmire, Jim's Mowing Estella (FL Anning and TJ Anning), Mick Cave and Good Seeds Garden Service, Parkin Building and Hire, Riverina Short Back and Sides Lawn Mowing, The Trustee for Squire Family Trust T/ as Squire Agricultural, Summit Open Space Services, Wagga Pro Turf and Irrigation Pty Ltd
Legal proceedings
In accordance with the Local Government (General) Regulation 2021, Reg 217 (1) (a3)
Resolution concerning work carried out on private land
In accordance with the Local Government (General) Regulation 2021, Reg 217 (1) (a4) and in accordance with the Local Government Act 1993, Section 67 (2) (b), (3)
At the Ordinary Meeting of Council on 6 November 2023, it was resolved:
That Council:
a) approve the installation of private wastewater pipework within 41 Collins Street, Turvey Park from the dwelling to Council's sewer main in Collins Lane to eliminate a joint sewer connection with 43 Collins Street
b) approve the work to be fully funded by Council at no charge to the owner of 41 Collins Street, Turvey Park
c) receive a further report once the works are completed in accordance with Clause 4 of Section 67 of the Local Government Act 1993
The installation of new internal plumbing within the backyard of 41 Collins Street to connect the dwellings wastewater to Council's sewer main in Collins Lane, thus eliminating its connection into the wastewater plumbing at 43 Collins Street, was undertaken by a licensed plumber, and completed in accordance with the Plumbing Code for the quoted price of $9971.39.
Financial Assistance Grants and Contributions
In accordance with the Local Government (General) Regulation 2021, Reg 217 (1) (a5) and in accordance with the Local Government Act 1993, Section 356
In total, Council provided $2,181,491 in financial assistance and contributions which has been broken down into the following categories:
Road Closures
Major Events Sponsorship
Annual Grants Program 2023-2024
Annual Grants Program 2023/24 - Rural Halls
Collingullie Soldiers Memorial Hall
Brucedale Hall –Auspice, Senior Revenue Accountant Upgrades to the kitchen area to increase overall use of the facility
Mangoplah District Sports and Community Development Fund Inc.
Ladysmith Memorial Hall Inc
To rewire the hall; to upgrade all electricity boxes and lines to make it safe and to cut down on electricity bills and make the hall usage into the future more sustainable. $10,000.00 $10,000.00 Detailed application with clear objectives and outcomes.
Annual Grants Program 2023/24 - Youth Led Initiatives
Organisation Name Project Description
Alphabet Soup Youth Group – Auspice, Eastern Riverina Arts
Out Social – Auspice, Wellways Australia
The Wear It Purple Disco (WIP) 2023, young LGBTQIA+ identifying youth to be celebrated during a four hour long disco following Wear It Purple Day; a national day to recognise and to raise awareness against homophobia and transphobia against youth and to celebrate and uplift their identities.
'Rainbow Screening Night' will screen a movie with queer representation for the community and their allies. Information and hand-outs will be available for safety planning and support for the community to anyone who needs it. To be hosted on International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia
Unique State Art Space – Auspice, Eastern Riverina Arts (IDAHOBIT) as it is a meaningful day in the community.
$5000.00
$5000.00
$4175.00 Detailed application with clear objectives and outcomes that meet the priorities of this category. Recommended to be fully funded minus GST.
$4209.00 Detailed application with clear objectives and outcomes that meet the priorities of this category. Recommended to be fully funded minus GST.
$7337.00
$5000.00 Detailed application with clear objectives and outcomes that meet the priorities of this category. Recommended to funded to the maximum amount in this category which is $5,000.00 toward the delivery of 4 workshops. Total
Statutory Information
Annual Grants Program 2023/24 - Arts, Culture and Creative Industries
Organisation Name Project Description
Joel Markham –Auspice, Eastern Riverina Arts
Wagga Wagga Community Band
Wagga Wagga Bonsai Society Inc.
HTZ Investments Pty Ltd.
A photography exhibition that will explore the mysteries that permeate our experience of life. To be exhibited at The Curious Rabbit in Wagga Wagga during the month of November 2023.
The purchase of new stands and a trolley, to negate the need to borrow this equipment and have access to a common music stand for all members. The music stands and trolley would be available to other groups for performance or practice events
Free public workshops and demonstrations facilitated by internationally trained Australian bonsai artists.
A mural on the back of the new hotel on Forsyth Street, in full public view from Tongaboo Lane. This artwork is a collaboration between Gamilaroi artist Debbie Wood and local artist Maggie Deal.
Shelan Khodedah –Auspice, Multicultural Council Wagga
Mary Potter Nursing Home
Riverina Woodworkers Club Inc.
Local writer is writing a book documenting the experiences of a local Yazidi community member who was captured and held by Isis. This will be the first book written within Australia documenting these experiences. The launch event will be an immersive experience and sights, sounds and smells, and the publication will become a valuable resource, copies of which will be donated to the Wagga Wagga City Library and the Museum of the Riverina.
Installation of a colourful mural on the walls of the internal courtyard garden. Residents and staff will be involved in the design of the mural.
Purchase of new dust extraction system to cater for the increased levels of activity in the club, for the health and wellbeing of members.
$4000.00
$5500.00
$2000.00 Part funding due to funds available in a competitive category. A project with clear objectives and outcomes. Applicant indicates they are willing to accept part funding.
$2750.00 Part funding due to funds available in a competitive category. A project with clear objectives and outcomes. Applicant indicates they are willing to accept part funding.
$6759.50
$7500.00
$4310.30
$2573.00 Part funding due to funds available in a competitive category. A project with clear objectives and outcomes. Applicant indicates they are willing to accept part funding.
$7500.00 Fully funded. Detailed application with clear objectives and outcomes.
$4107.00 Part funding due to funds available in a competitive category. A project with clear objectives and outcomes. Applicant indicates they are willing to accept part funding.
$2500.00
$755.00
$2500.00 Fully funded. Detailed application with clear objectives and outcomes.
$755.00 Fully funded. Detailed application with clear objectives and outcomes.
Riverina Conservatorium of Music
Musicians who play concert band instruments are invited to this weekend of workshops and masterclasses to educate, stimulate, and upskill. Musicians will experience the mentorship of professional and visiting artists/ tutors as well as performing with professional musicians and conductors in large ensembles and small sectional sessions. The festival will finish with a free public concert on the Sunday, involving all festival attendees.
The Wired Lab Led by the Wiradjuri and Indigenous communities of the Eastern Riverina region. A series of two-day Wagga Wagga LGA based workshops. Workshop content will be oriented around:Refining natural material collection methods and weaving practices, - preservation and conservation considerations to ensure the longevity of fibre-based artworks.
Eastern Riverina Arts Craft: The dirty word will be held at The AMBO Gallery during March 2024. Running over International Women’s Day, this exhibition will engage local female artists and will explore crafts’ ongoing association with the feminine.
$2500.00
$7500.00
$2500.00 Fully funded. Detailed application with clear objectives and outcomes.
$7500.00
$5000.00 Part funding due to funds available in a competitive category. A project with clear objectives and outcomes. Applicant indicates they are willing to accept part funding. Funding to go toward delivery of 2 x 2 - day workshops at Ngurra Youth Hub, Ashmont and one rural village in the Wagga Wagga LGA
$5676.00 Part funding due to funds available in a competitive category. A project with clear objectives and outcomes. Applicant indicates they are willing to accept part funding.
Totals $48,824.80 $35,361.00
Statutory Information
Annual Grants Program 2023/24 - Events
Organisation Name Project Description
Bidgee Strawberries and Cream
Wagga Wagga Country Club Ltd
Berries and Tunes - a series of events throughout the year supporting emerging creatives and other local partnerships
The Women's Pro Am is a two-day event where golf professionals and amateurs play together. The goal for 2024 is to host 50 visiting professionals.
Lake Road Veterinary Hospital Wagga Dog Day Out event to promote the city's commitment to animal welfare and give animal industries in the region the opportunity to promote their services, provide educational opportunities and raise community awareness as to services that are available locally.
Regional Disability Advocacy Services (RDAS)
A Dance Party to celebrate International Day of People with Disability. In 2023 the event to be held at the RSL Club which can accommodate 350 guests from Wagga Wagga and surrounding townships.
Women in Business Wagga Wagga To engage a high-profile speaker who is a leader in her field to share their experience and insights with our members and the community of Wagga Wagga. The aim of this event is to build the capacity amongst the working women of Wagga Wagga.
Pastorale An outdoor dining event in Wagga Wagga, to coincide with the annual Gears and Beers weekend. This will be a long dinner style event on the Baylis/Fitzmaurice St Bridge, aiming for approximately 200 attendees to enjoy a 3 course degustation meal prepared by the Pastorale team.
$7500.00
$7500.00
$7500.00
$6000.00 Part funding due to funds available in a competitive category. A project with clear objectives and outcomes. Applicant indicates they are willing to accept part funding.
$5500.00 Part funding due to funds available in a competitive category. A project with clear objectives and outcomes. Applicant indicates they are willing to accept part funding.
$6000.00 Part funding due to funds available in a competitive category. A project with clear objectives and outcomes. Applicant indicates they are willing to accept part funding.
$6500.00
$7500.00
$7500.00
$5500.00 Part funding due to funds available in a competitive category. A project with clear objectives and outcomes. Applicant indicates they are willing to accept part funding.
$6000.00 Part funding due to funds available in a competitive category. A project with clear objectives and outcomes. Applicant indicates they are willing to accept part funding.
$6000.00 Part funding due to funds available in a competitive category. A project with clear objectives and outcomes. Applicant indicates they are willing to accept part funding.
Totals $44,000 $35,000
Annual Grants Program 2023/24 - Local Heritage
Organisation Name Project Description
Michael Linsell Reinstatement of original heritage fencing to residence at the corner of Best and Tompson Streets (78 Tompson). A post and rail with chain wire mesh fence option. Two new decorative gates to be fitted and the existing gates to be restored and repurposed.
Mackenna Powell Remediation works to roof of existing building at 38 Fitzmaurice Street, Wagga Wagga, the former School of Arts.
Anglican Parish of Wagga Wagga
To protect the belfry and the contents of the bell tower of St John's Church building involving the Construction and installation of louvres on the four openings of the belfry. The new louvres will be fixed to the internal walls. The louvres will be positioned so the maximum weather protection for the belfry and peal of bells.
Madeline Clark A NSW heritage listed building, built with sand stock stone in 1849. The overall building seems relatively stable, however directly above the front doorway a large crack has emerged. This crack is compromising the structural stability of the building. The project aims to rectify risk of collapse by means of stone masonry to fix crack OR install a permanent steel support.
Mitchell Daniher Restoration works to the original building masonry sign to one of Wagga Wagga's original corner stores "The Park Store 1925 " and replacing the roofing material on the verandah to its original material.
$5000.00
$2500.00 Part funding due to funds available in a competitive category. A project with clear objectives and outcomes that meets the priorities of this category. Applicant indicates they are willing to accept part funding.
$15,500.00
$8515.00
$7500.00
$2500.00 Part funding due to funds available in a competitive category. A project with clear objectives and outcomes that meets the priorities of this category. Applicant indicates they are willing to accept part funding.
$4500.00 Part funding due to funds available in a competitive category. A project with clear objectives and outcomes that meets the priorities of this category. Applicant indicates they are willing to accept part funding.
$3721.00
$3500.00 Part funding due to funds available in a competitive category. A project with clear objectives and outcomes that meets the priorities of this category. Applicant indicates they are willing to accept part funding.
$2500.00 Part funding due to funds available in a competitive category. A project with clear objectives and outcomes that meets the priorities of this category. Applicant indicates they are willing to accept part funding.
Totals $40,236.00 $15,500.00
Statutory Information
Annual Grants Program 2023/24 - Small Business
Organisation Name
Interior Construction Pty Ltd
Sew me School of Fashion and Design
Bidgee Strawberries and Cream
Purchase of iPads to increase customer service experience on site at surrounding rural locations and advance the business with use of technology solutions.
To install front access doors to improve accessibility and street appeal.
To purchase a strawberry cutting machine to improve efficiency in removing the fruit Caylex and to cut fruit to increase product offering and business expansion plans.
Rewild
Purchase of new equipment to increase efficiency and sustainability.
Riverina Seafood Market
To establish the first fresh seafood market in the region.
Pastorale Purchase and install a custom built and commercial grade wood-fired pizza oven.
Bloss Floristry and Design Utilising an existing vacant space within The Press cafe and retrofitting it to accommodate a floristry business with the addition of plumbing and water access plus adequate refrigerator to store flowers.
Zana Aerial Dance Academy Purchase of new custommade costumes to increase professionalism and expand business.
Chris and Louise Blanchard Addition of two new offerings to the business:
1. A second-hand book offering 2. Hot-desk facility and board room hire service
Paint Place Wagga To purchase equipment to allow the expansion of stock holding capabilities and improve the overall customer experience in store.
$6000.00
$2299.00
$6000.00
$1934.00 Part funding due to funds available in a competitive category. A project with clear objective and outcomes. Applicant indicates they are willing to accept part funding.
$2069.00 A project with clear objective and outcomes.
Recommended funding minus GST.
$6000.00 A project with clear objectives and outcomes to implement innovative machinery to support growth of business.
$7500.00
$4216.00 Part funding due to funds available in a competitive category. A project with clear objective and outcomes. Applicant indicates they are willing to accept part funding to be spent on the purchase of one fridge and one labelling machine.
$7500.00
$7500.00
$4986.00
$1000.00 Part funding due to funds available in a competitive category. A project with clear objective and outcomes. Applicant indicates they are willing to accept part funding.
$3291.00 Part funding due to funds available in a competitive category. A project with clear objective and outcomes. Applicant indicates they are willing to accept part funding.
$4487.00 A project with innovative objectives and outcomes that will support a network of small business owners. Recommended funding minus GST.
$3958.70
$5000.00
$7400.00
$3958.00 A project with clear objective and outcomes to support the expansion plans of this small business.
$1000.00 Part funding due to funds available in a competitive category. A project with clear objective and outcomes. Applicant indicates they are willing to accept part funding.
$4500.00 Part funding due to funds available in a competitive category. A project with clear objective and outcomes. Applicant indicates they are willing to accept part funding.
Little Black Duck Homewares
Increase visibility of Aboriginal handmade products at local and regional market stalls with the purchase of a market stall fit out that is easily transportable, visually appealing and built by another small business.
Totals
$7500.00
$5045.00 Part funding due to funds available in a competitive category. A project with clear objective and outcomes. Applicant indicates they are willing to accept part funding to be spent on the mobile market fit out only as funding cannot be allocated to staff costs as per funding guidelines.
Annual Grants Program 2023/24 - Community Programs and Projects
Organisation Name Project Description
Carevan Wagga Wagga Inc. Supply of containers for the 22,000 meals provided at no cost to recipients.
Kurrajong Therapy Plus To hold a smoking ceremony for our staff, clients, families, wider community, and the building in which we meet and work each day to increase our cultural awareness.
The Bike Canteen To open a community workshop in 2023. This workshop will be a place where tools, parts and bike stands are offered for anybody to use, assisted by workshop volunteers, to learn how to maintain a bicycle and/or repair bicycles for other people.
Riverina Nepalese Community To promote traditional cultural values by purchasing traditional musical instruments and organising training programs for music and dance
Wagga Amateur Radio Club Inc.
Install two new yaesu repeaters at our two radio sites located in Wagga Wagga, to replace older existing repeaters currently installed.
Kurrajong Purchase of a defibrillator for use with Kurrajong's community initiative Hildasid Farm.
Edel Quinn – St Vincent de Paul
Twin City Skate Club Inc.
Install of lockers to allow rough sleepers to store their belongings, providing the necessary safety and dignity for people to conduct their daily tasks without having to carry around their belongings and be identified and stigmatised as a 'homeless' person.
A range of free and low-cost school holiday roller skating activities to cater for the diverse needs of people within our communities. Proposed activities include sensory skate sessions, roller dance workshops, artistic roller-skating workshops, and free learn-to-skate sessions for schoolage children.
$3672.00
$700.00
$7500.00
$1000.00 Part funding due to funds available in a competitive category. A project with clear objectives and social impact outcomes. Applicant indicates they are willing to accept part funding.
$700.00 A project with clear objectives and social impact and community engagement outcomes with a focus on the development of Wiradjuri and First Nations cultural literacy skills and awareness
$6500.00 A project with clear objectives and social impact outcomes, community education and engagement.
$3500.00
$3070.00
$2688.00
$1000.00 Part funding due to funds available in a competitive category. A project with clear objectives and social impact outcomes. Applicant indicates they are willing to accept part funding.
$1895.00 Part funding due to funds available in a competitive category. A project with clear objectives outcomes. Applicant indicates they are willing to accept part funding to go toward the purchase of one repeater.
$1000.00 Part funding due to funds available in a competitive category. A project with clear objectives and social impact outcomes. Applicant indicates they are willing to accept part funding.
$6534.00
$7500.00
$6227.50 A project with clear objectives and social impact outcomes, community education and engagement.
$3500.00 Part funding due to funds available in a competitive category. A project with clear objectives and social impact outcomes. Applicant indicates they are willing to accept part funding.
The Salvation Army –Wagga Wagga
Wagga Wagga Antique Society
To provide safe accessible lockers for homeless + displaced person to store their belongings and also provide food, emergency relief, casework and assessment and a holistic approach to journeying with community members.
Purchase of audio visual and digital equipment to present a technically improved method of delivering lectures, talks and presentations to members, guests, and others within the community.
$6534.00
$6227.50 A project with clear objectives and social impact outcomes, community education and engagement.
$1950.00
$1950.00 A project with clear objectives with a focus on community education and engagement.
Total $43,648.00 $30,000.00
Statutory Information
Annual Grants Program 2023/24 - Natural Environment
Organisation
Wagga Wagga Urban Landcare Group
Wagga Wagga Business Chamber
Paint signs on the gutter drains around Glenfield indicating that litter going down these drains ends up in Flowerdale Lagoon, and conduct workshop/s with school children from the surrounding area of Glenfield of the importance of Flowerdale Lagoon. Liaise with Charles Sturt University’s platypus researcher, Joanne Connelly.
'Building a Better Future - Our Path to Net Zero’ engage with Rewiring Australia or someone of a similar status as guest speaker to address all things sustainable, but with a key focus on small to medium business owners achieving lower Net Zero Emissions and how this can be achieved by making some simple changes.
Annual Grants Program 2023/24 - Neighbourhood and Rural Villages
Organisation Name
Ladysmith P and C Association Community yoga at Ladysmith Hall program held at the Ladysmith Hall and community park which is accessible to the local and broader community.
Chin Community of Wagga Wagga –Auspice, Multicultural Council Wagga
Host two events to provide an opportunity to showcase Wagga Wagga as a welcoming settlement community to our new community members while offering a platform for cross cultural exchange with other cultural community groups and the wider community of Wagga Wagga.
Eastern Riverina Arts To bring locally produced live music to community halls in rural villages within the Wagga Wagga Local Government Area.
Tarcutta Pony Club Upgrade of old equipment, activating the space and making it a community hub.
Iranian Community of Wagga Wagga –Auspice, Multicultural Council Wagga
Host two events to both raise awareness of continuing struggles for human rights across the world, while showing solidarity with other ethnic communities who reside locally in Wagga Wagga.
Humula Progress Association Inc. Live music event to bring people together from isolated communities in the Humula district.
Mangoplah Cookardina United Eastlakes Football and Netball Club Inc.
Undercover outdoor barbecue area and public space suitable for club members, local community events, functions, training sessions and the wider farming community of Mangoplah. The facility will ensure accessibility for all members of the community.
$7500.00
$4202.60
$7500.00
$3250.00 Part funding due to funds available in a competitive category. A project with clear objectives and outcomes. Applicant indicates they are willing to accept part funding.
$2460.00 Part funding due to funds available in a competitive category. A project with clear objectives and outcomes. Applicant indicates they are willing to accept part funding therefore funding provided toward the staging for one event only is recommended.
$2000.00 Part funding due to funds available in a competitive category. A project with clear objectives and outcomes. Applicant indicates they are willing to accept part funding; to go toward the activation of two rural village halls
$5500.00
$6504.80
$5000.00
$7500.00
$5500.00 A detailed application with clear objectives and community benefit outcomes.
$1620.00 Part funding due to funds available in a competitive category. A project with clear objectives and outcomes. Applicant indicates they are willing to accept part funding; recommended to go toward the staging for one event only
$5000.00 A detailed application with clear objectives and community benefit outcomes.
$2170.00 Part funding due to funds available in a competitive category. A project with clear objectives and outcomes. Applicant indicates they are willing to accept part funding.
Totals $43,707.40 $22,000.00
Annual Grants Program 2023/24 - Recreational Facilities
Organisation Name Project Description
Wagga Par 3 and Driving Range Construction of an undercover BBQ area at Wagga Par 3, free for the community to use. Cemented seating area with electric BBQs, table, and chairs, under a skillion roof awning.
Oura Progress Assoc. Construct a staging ground that will be located between the existing tennis courts and the Hall and will be used for a variety of purposes by different user groups in the Oura district. The RFS require a staging ground in the event of a large fire. The Oura RFS staging ground will consist of a large 6m x 12m undercover area with an attached 6m x 4m storage shed.
Wagga Wagga School of Arts Purchase and install new auditorium seating, as current seating is not fit for purpose.
Southern Inland Rugby Union Supply and erect a weatherproof shelter for the gatekeepers at Conolly Park, Tolland
North Wagga Australian Football and Netball Club Inc.
Upgrade the sound/entertainment system currently used within the McPherson Oval clubrooms, North Wagga. This will improve the capacity and quality of this venue to hold community group events for not only the Football/Netball Club but also the Wagga City Cats who utilise the venue during the cricket season and the various organisations that hire the venue for use such as Baptist Care.
$10,000.00
$10,000.00
$9909.00
$8,100.00 Part funding due to funds available in a competitive category. A project with clear objectives & outcomes. Applicant indicates they are willing to accept part funding.
$10,000.00 Detailed application with clear objectives and outcomes that meet the priorities of this category.
$2260.00
$1550.00
$8090.00 Part funding due to funds available in a competitive category. A project with clear objectives & outcomes. Applicant indicates they are willing to accept part funding.
$2260.00 Detailed application with clear objectives and outcomes that meet the priorities of this category.
$1550.00 Detailed application with clear objectives and outcomes that meet the priorities of this category.
Total $33,719.00
$30,000.00
ClubGRANTS 2024
The ClubGRANTS scheme is a statewide initiative that provides the framework for registered clubs to directly fund local priority projects and services. Under legislation Council coordinates the local ClubGRANTS Committee for assessment and distribution of the annual ClubGRANTS funding category 1 program for Wagga Wagga LGA. The participating local clubs are RSL Club Wagga and Rules Club Wagga. Representing on the committee is also Department of Communities and Justice, and an independent member.
There were 11 local not-for-profit community groups and charities to share in $147,550 funding for the 2023 ClubGRANTS Category 1 Funding. Priority funding categories for 2024 were mental health, prevention and support of homelessness, domestic and family violence and First Nations programs. Secondary funding categories include women and family health, childcare services, aged and veteran support services, all abilities programs, disadvantaged young people and transport services for identified social needs.
Clubgrants 2024 – Grant Recipients
Little Wings Limited
$3500.00 Little Wings Children's Hospital Flight Program - Wagga Wagga City Council
Our aim is to reduce the emotional and financial stress associated with traveling long distances to seek specialised medical treatment in Sydney and Newcastle. We are seeking financial support for 6 flights for children from rural, remote and regional NSW requiring treatment at the Sydney Children’s Hospital Network.
Wagga African Association (WAFRICA)
RSL & Service Clubs Association
Dreams2Live4 Ltd
Ashmont Churches Caring for Children
$3000.00 Building culturally appropriate and respectful family relationships through dialogue
The project aims to provide supportive forums and space for recently arrived migrants to discuss deep seated forms of abuse and neglect in the family. Often these vices occur because of silences due to cultural norms and through cultural appropriation. Through recreational and fun activities, this project will bring together relevant government & nongovernment agencies and the African community to talk about positive strategies to create healthy family relationships in the Australian context.
$7500.00 Veterans Benevolent Fund
The Veterans Benevolent Fund (VBF) is a public ancillary charitable fund providing financial support to a range of community organisations assisting veterans and their families in managing their health and life needs.
$2500.00 Dreams For Metastatic Cancer Patients in the Wagga Wagga Region:
Dreams2Live4 is the only charity in Australia that grants life changing dreams to adults 17 years and over living with advanced cancer. Our mission is to grant the dream of every eligible adult in the Wagga Wagga region. A dream changes lives at a time when good news is seldom expected. It empowers the person to dream and find purpose again. It provides a much-needed distraction from cancer and gives the Dreamer' and their loved ones something positive to focus on.
$5000.00 Breakfast Program:
A large proportion of our student community consistently come to school without having eaten breakfast. To support our students and their families, staff, student school leaders and volunteers help to run the program by preparing food, such as cereal, toast and milo. Sandwiches are also made to provide lunch for students who come to school without food. The students who help in the mornings are also learning basic food preparation skills that they can apply at home. This program is invaluable to our students as it ensures they have all had access to a nutritious breakfast as well as encouraging them to come to school.
Recipient
Recipient
Carevan Wagga Incorporated
$3000.00 Pillow Swap Program:
This project will be distributing pillows at meal venues during night service and/or giving out to clients by service providers, in exchange for a returned pillow. Disposal will be the responsibility of Carevan. This project will enable the recipients to feel more valued and to sleep with a clean pillow.
Ronald McDonald House
Solve-TAD Limited
Clontarf Foundation
Vision Camp 2023
Pro Patria
$4800.00 Sponsor Nights for Families in Need:
This grant will directly benefit the 150 families who call us home each year, while their child is undergoing medical treatment or recovering at Wagga Base or Calvary hospital. Families do not pay a cent to stay with us and we rely on donations and fundraising for 65% of our running costs. On average $160 covers the cost of accommodating a family each night, we are seeking 2 months (60 nights) of accommodation costs for a family.
$2250.00 The Joy of Cycling for People with Disabilities in Wagga Wagga City:
Fifteen people with a disability in Wagga Wagga City will receive an Occupational Therapy Assessment to design a custom-built bike that will enable them to ride a bike to help reduce social isolation and increase their wellbeing. The assessments are provided at no cost. This enables parents/carers or individuals to freely explore a safe and fun recreational activity without any pressure, relieving them of both financial and emotional stress.
$10,000.00 Engage with Year 6 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander boys, for a positive and successful transition to high school:
Mount Austin Academy will conduct a rich engagement program with the four public schools that feed into Mount Austin Hight School to ensure a positive transition to high school for the year 6 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander boys. Using Clontarf Academy mentors and principles, year 9 & 10 students and Alumni these primary school boys will learn the benefits of the Academy and a why consistent high school education can deliver better life outcomes. An induction camp will be held at the start of year 7 2024
$6000.00 Riverina Vision Camp 2023:
Vision impairment is a low incident disability, and together with the hundreds of kilometres separating the families of children with vision impairment it means that vision camps are the only opportunity for any contact with others who understand the impact of low vision and blindness. The children are aged between 11 and 16 years old. Our project is to cover the full cost of attending camp so no child with vision impairment will be disadvantaged due to financial hardship.
$100,000.00 Pro Patria (Wagga Wagga) Property Trust:
Pro Patria Property Trust was created by volunteer business people, who recognise the urgent need to support specialised, advanced & approved treatments for our veterans and first responders and now seek support from the local community, corporate organisations and governments to purchase the Carmelite Monastery in Wagga Wagga to make it available for the Pro Patria Centre.
Statement of all external bodies that exercised functions delegated by Council
In accordance with the Local Government (General) Regulation 2021, Reg 217 (1) (a6) No delegation of an external function was exercised by Council during the period of 2023/24.
Statement of all entities in which Council held a controlling interest - Finance
In accordance with the Local Government (General) Regulation 2021, Reg 217 (1) (a7) Council held no controlling interest on any entity during the period of 2023/24.
Statement of all entities in which the Council participated during the year
In accordance with the Local Government (General) Regulation 2021, Reg 217 (1) (a8) Council participated in the following entities during the period of 2023/24:
• Canberra Region Joint Organisation (CRJO)
• Regional Cities NSW
• Country Mayors Association
• StateCover
• Statewide Mutual
Our workforce
In accordance with the Local Government (General) Regulation 2021, Reg 217 (1) (d) (i), (ii), (iii), (iv)
Council’s workforce consists of staff engaged on a permanent (full-time and part-time), casual, fixed term basis, or are participating in tertiary / vocational education programs. Thirty per cent (30%) of Council’s total operating expenditure budget is assigned to meet our workforce costs.
• Permanent Permanent, full time - 400 Permanent, part time - 38
• Casual - 48
• Fixed Term Contract - 28
• Senior Staff - 5
• Labour Hire - 11
• Trainee or Apprentice – 9
*Labour statistics detailed above are as at 14 February 2024.
Total Remuneration for General Manager and Senior Staff
In accordance with the Local Government (General) Regulation 2021, Reg 217 (1) (b) (i), (ii), (iii), (iv) and (c) (i), (ii), (iii), (iv)
The Executive remuneration is broken down by General Manager and Senior Executives. The total amounts are inclusive of total salary package, superannuation, value of any non-cash benefits and fringe benefits tax where applicable.
• General Manager: $404,356.69
• Senior staff: $1,120,759.59
All figures stated are in line with relevant legislation that requires the following components to be reported:
1. the total of the values of the salary components of their packages.
2. total amount of any bonus, performance or other payments do not form part of salary components of their packages.
3. total amount payable by Council by way of the employer’s contribution or salary sacrifice to any superannuation scheme to which any of them may be a contributor.
4. total value of any non-cash benefits for which any of them may elect under the package.
5. total amount payable by way of fringe benefits tax for any such non-cash benefits.
Equal Employment Opportunity
In accordance with the Local Government (General) Regulation 2021, Reg 217 (1) (a9)
As an Equal Opportunity Employer (EEO), Council continues to embed the key focus areas of the Equal Employment Opportunity Management Plan in our workplace culture. These include a 'Diverse and Skilled Workforce', 'Inclusion and Respect' and 'Accessibility'.
Key activities in 2023/24 included:
• Continuing to promote Council's commitment to workplace diversity in our attraction, recruitment, and selection activities.
• Partnering with local community members and community organisations to develop Council’s First Nations Employment & Retention Strategy.
• Establishment of Council’s First Nations Community Connection Group.
• Ongoing support mechanisms for staff such as the Employee Assistance Program and advice and support through the People & Culture Team.
• Ongoing consultation with staff through the Consultative Committee framework, employee engagement surveys, and internal communication from Council's Executive Team.
• Ongoing delivery of Cultural Awareness and EEO training to all Council staff.
Along with Council's EEO Management Plan, we are continuing to implement initiatives to further support the principles of EEO in our workforce and community through Council’s All Abilities Inclusion Action Plan, Reconciliation Action Plan and Workforce Resourcing Strategy.
Capital Works Projects 2023-2024
• One-off Capital Projects - $36,432,498.88
• Recurrent Capital Projects - $18,984,101.50
Statement Of Stormwater Management Services
In accordance with the Local Government (General) Regulation 2021, Reg 217 (1) (e)
The statement can be viewed in Part 3: Financial Statements under Financial Summary 20232024 of this document.
Statement Of Coastal Protection Services
In accordance with the Local Government (General) Regulation 2021, Reg 217 (1) (e1) Council did not levy services for the provision of coastal protection services, as set out under Local Government Act 1993 section 496B (1) during the period of 2023/24.
Carers Recognition Act 2010 Compliance
In accordance with the Carers Recognition Act 2010, Section 13 (1)
Wagga Wagga City Council is committed to meeting the requirements of the Carers Recognition Act 2010, ensuring the rights and needs of carers and the valuable contributions they make to the community are recognised and supported.
To fulfil these requirements, Council currently has in place:
• Flexible working hours agreements: these agreements are designed to provide employees with the flexibility they need to manage their work responsibilities alongside their caregiving obligations.
• Access to Carer’s Leave: Council acknowledges the importance of carer’s leave and makes it available to all staff members. This means that employees who are responsible for caring for an immediate or extended family member have the option to take the necessary leave to fulfil their caregiving duties without any undue hardship.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Council’s EAP is an integral part of our support system. The EAP is available to all staff members and their immediate family members, ensuring they have a confidential and supportive resource to address personal, work-related, and caregiving challenges. Council actively encourages our staff members to use this program, which provides a safe and private space to seek assistance and guidance for a wide range of issues.
Council is committed to fostering an inclusive and supportive work environment that recognises the needs of carers among our staff. We continuously work to align our policies and practices with the Carers Recognition Act 2010, promoting a workplace culture that respects and accommodates the responsibilities of our staff members who are also caregivers.
Disability Inclusion Plan
In accordance with the Disability Inclusion Act 2014, Section 13 (1)
Council has demonstrated its commitment to the Disability Inclusion Act 2014, Section 13 (1), by actively promoting accessibility and inclusion for people with disabilities in the community. This section of the Act requires local councils to develop and implement a Disability Inclusion Action Plan (DIAPs) to ensure that people with disabilities have equal access to services, facilities, and opportunities.
Wagga Wagga City Council has undertaken initiatives to meet these requirements, including improving physical infrastructure such to improve accessibility to Council buildings and community infrastructure, for example parks and open spaces and developing awareness programs to foster a more inclusive community.
Council actively engages with people with disabilities in the community consultation planning process to ensure that their voices are heard, and their needs are met in all aspects of local government and community life. By adhering to these guidelines, Council plays a pivotal role in enhancing the quality of life for individuals with disabilities within the Wagga Wagga Local Government Area.
Planning Agreement Compliance
In accordance with the Environmental Planning & Assessment Act 1979, Section 7.5 (5)
Council did not enter into any planning agreements during the period of 2023/24.
Access to information
In accordance with the Government Information (Public Access) Act 2009, Section 125 (1) and Government Information (Public Access) Regulation 2018, clause 8
Council received 10 valid formal access to information applications and 1352 informal access to information applications under the Government Information (Public Access) Act 2009 (GIPA Act) in 2023/24. In the spirit of more open and transparent government, Council endeavours to respond to the majority of requests for information either informally or by proactively releasing information, rather than relying on the formal processes.
Council proactively publishes a broad range of information on our website and through social media. The improved content on our website is based on the foundation of ‘self-service’ so that members of the public can easily find information on our website that is frequently requested from us. When members of our community request information from us, we encourage them to:
• Describe the information they would like to access in as much detail as possible, and
• Explain why this information is important to them.
This information helps us in efficiently finding the information and responding promptly to inquiries and requests for information. Please refer to Council’s website for further information.
Public Interest Disclosure Act 1994
Section 31 of the Public Interest Disclosure (PID) Act requires public authorities to prepare an annual report on their obligations under the PID Act. The report below meets our obligations under the Act.
Table 3: Public Interest Disclosures 2023/24
Companion animals
In accordance with the provisions of the Companion Animals Act 1988 (CA Act) and the Companion Animal Regulation 2018
As a Council, we spend a great deal of time and effort taking care of animals in our region, including rescuing and rehoming stray pets at the Glenfield Road Animal Shelter.
We take our duty of care for the welfare of any animals under our protection extremely seriously.
Our responsibilities
Our Regulatory Services team are responsible for:
• The operation of the Glenfield Road Animal Shelter
• Rehoming stray animals
• Microchipping and lifetime registration
• Roaming and stray dogs
• Animal noise complaints
• Nuisance dogs
• Reducing incidents of dog attacks
• Community education and awareness of responsible pet ownership
Council staff are responsible for managing companion animal customer requests and ensuring compliance in accordance with the Companion Animals Act 1998 (The Act). Rangers also provide a 24/7 on-call service to respond to incidents of dog attacks. This service is provided to improve public safety and reduce the incidence of accidents and injury to the public and animals.
Companion Animals impounded under the Act are delivered to the Glenfield Road Animal Shelter (GRAS). Our shelter reunites dogs and cats with their owners, rehomes them where possible, and provides advice and information about companion animal management.
Key services
Promote and assist in the desexing of companion animals
All animals rehomed from the Glenfield Road Animal Shelter are desexed, reducing unwanted litters and supporting the shelter’s current low rate of animal euthanasia. Shelter staff encourage the community to have their cats and dogs desexed through brochures, media promotion and advice.
Impounded animal management
Glenfield Road Animal Shelter (GRAS) is a state-of-the-art facility designed to provide the very best care possible for lost and stray animals. A report detailing the number of animals arriving at the Glenfield Road Animal Shelter and the way they were released is submitted to the Office of Local Government annually.
During 2023/24:
• 643 dogs entered GRAS, 246 were returned to their owners, and 305 were rehomed or transferred to a rescue group.
• 500 cats entered GRAS, 22 were returned to their owners, and 323 were rehomed or transferred to a rescue group.
• Initiatives to increase rehoming have included: promotion of companion animals for rehoming on Council’s website promotion through Council’s social media channels pet of the week campaign rehoming animals through rescue groups
Statutory Information
Dog attack reporting
It is mandatory for all dog attack data to be lodged with the Office of Local Government (OLG) in accordance with the Companion Animals Act. The legislation requires a dog attack incident to be reported to the OLG within 72 hours of the incident and are notified through the NSW Companion Animals Register.
During 2023/24 there were 168 dogs involved in 122 attacks reported to Council.
The full GRAS statistics are available at olg.nsw.gov.au
Off leash areas
There are nine designated off-leash areas across the city for dogs, including two enclosed agility tracks. These locations are areas where dogs can run, exercise and socialise leash-free with other dogs and dog park visitors. Full details are available on Council’s website at wagga.nsw.gov.au/offleash
Community education programs
We appreciate the important role companion animals play in our region as well as the need to minimise any potential negative impacts on the local environment, non-pet owners and the wider community.
Our objectives include:
• encouraging and promoting responsible pet ownership through community education
• identifying and accommodating the needs of companion animals and their owners
• reducing adverse impacts of companion animals on residents and the environment
• reducing the numbers of unwanted and abandoned companion animals.
Community education initiatives during the 2023/24 financial year included:
• companion animal information available on Council’s website
• promotion through Council’s social media channels
• distribution of companion animal brochures
• Pet of the Week campaign
• media releases including newspaper articles and television interviews
• proactive patrols of complaint areas.
Animal management costs
Below is a breakdown of expenses associated with animal management over the 2023/24 financial year.
Recovery and threat abatement plans
In accordance with the Fisheries Management Act 1994, Section 220ZT (2) Council has no Recovery and Threat Abatement Plans.
Swimming pool inspections
In accordance with the Swimming Pools Act 1992, Section, Section 22F (2) and Swimming Pools Regulation 2018, Clause 23 Council is required to report on the details of private swimming pool inspections.
Table 4: Swimming pool inspections 2023/24
Local infrastructure contributions
In accordance with the Environmental Planning and Assessment Regulation 2021 (EPA Reg) Section 218A (1)
Local infrastructure contributions, also known as developer contributions, are charged by councils when development occurs. They help fund infrastructure like parks, community facilities, local roads, footpaths, active travel networks and sewer and stormwater networks. The infrastructure contributions are held by Council in separate reserves and can only be spent on projects identified in contribution plans.
There are three forms of local infrastructure contributions:
• Infrastructure (known as Section 7.11 and 7.12, previously Section 94 and 94A):
Section 7.11 contributions: Charged where there is a demonstrated link between the development and the infrastructure to be funded when the development results in an increase in population. Detailed in the Wagga Wagga Local Infrastructure Contributions Plan 2019 – 2034.
Section 7.12 levies: Charged as a percentage of the estimated cost of commercial and industrial development and additions and alterations to some identified residential buildings. The maximum percentage that can be charged is 1%. Detailed in the Wagga Wagga Local Infrastructure Contributions Plan 2019 – 2034.
• Sewer (Section 64): Charged on development (residential, commercial and industrial) based on the average daily sewer discharge of the average house. Detailed in the Development Servicing Plan Sewerage Services.
• Stormwater (Section 64): Charged on development (residential, commercial and industrial) based on the average hardstand of the average house. Detailed in the Development Servicing Plan Stormwater.
In 2023/24 some of Council’s largest projects such as the Jim Elphick Tennis Centre, Jubilee Park – Athletics Park Upgrade and Pine Gully Corridor Works were partly funded by Local Infrastructure Contributions.
The below tables provide a summary of the local infrastructure contributions reserve balances, contributions paid by developers and expenditure on infrastructure in 2023/24.
Section 7.11
Opening Reserve Balance 1 July 2023 $33,519,094
Section 7.11 Expenditure Breakdown
Table 5: Section7.11
Section 7.12
Table 6: Section7.12 Section
Table 7: Section 64 Sewer
Table 8: Section 64 Stormwater
Part 3 Financial Statements
Financial Summary 2023-2024
This report provides analysis on Wagga Wagga City Council’s 2023/24 Financial Statements. It compares the actual reported financial results against Council’s own financial objectives.
Council’s Financial Statements are produced in accordance with the Australian Accounting Standards and the NSW Local Government Code of Accounting Practice. These statements are independently audited, reported to Council, placed on public exhibition and lodged with the Office of Local Government (OLG) by the end of October each year.
Under the NSW Local Government Act 1993, Council is required to produce an audited set of Financial Statements. Key reports produced and included in the statements are:
• Income Statement
• Statement of Comprehensive Income
• Balance Sheet
• Cash Flow Statement
• Notes to the Financial Statements.
To view the audited financial statement, head to Financial Statements on our website.
Summary of 2023/24 Key Results
• Operating deficit from continuing operations of $2.668 million
• Net operating deficit before capital grants and contributions of ($51.986 million)
• New Infrastructure, property, plant and equipment of $ 62 million ($42 million renewal assets; $ 20 million new assets).
Local Government Industry Indicators
Council, as part of its Annual Financial Statements, reports on a number of local government industry indicators as prescribed by the Office of Local Government (OLG). The below table summarises Council’s results of these performance measures for 2023/24.
of unrestricted working capital and Council’s ability to meet short term obligations as they fall due.
the impact of uncollected rates and annual charges on Council’s liquidity and the adequacy of recovery efforts.
Income
Total income 2.97% to $194.810 million
Overall income for 2023/24 increased by $5.614 million, up from $189.196 million to $194.810 million.
This is mainly attributable to an increase in interest income and user charges and fees received during the 2023/24 financial year. Further details on each category of income is provided below.
Rates and annual charges 4.44% to $78.498 million
Income from rates and annual charges increased by 4.44%, or $3.34m for 2023/24. This increase can be attributed to a rate peg increase of 3.8% for the 2023/24 rating year as well as a slight growth in the number of rateable properties.
User charges and fees 11.94% to $34.317 million
Revenue from user charges and fees increased by 11.94% or $3.660 million for the 2023/24 financial year. The main contributing factors to the increased income relate to specific user charges for domestic and commercial waste services, as well as sewerage usage services. Council did also see an increase in income for its Airport and LMC businesses when compared to the previous year.
Other revenues 46.36% to $5.228 million
Other revenues increased by 46.36% or $1.656 million for 2023/24. This increase is mainly attributable to Council receiving reimbursement of the purchase price paid for acquisition of 54-58 Johnston Street (Old Ambulance Station).
Grants and contributions 9.36% to $65.454 million
The total income Council received in 2023/24 for both operating and capital grants was $65.456m. This is a decrease of $6.754 million, when compared to the 2022/23 financial year. This is mainly attributable to a decrease in capital grants and contributions received for 2023/24, as well as a reduction in the advance payment of Councils financial assistance grant, down from 100% prepayment to 85% prepaid.
Interest and investment revenues 57.55% to $8.741 million
Council’s interest and investment revenue increased by 57.55% or $3.193 million compared to the 2022/23 financial year. This is mainly attributable to an increase in Councils investment portfolio balance and increased interest rates received on Councils portfolio.
Other income 25.4% to $2.572 million
Other income increased by 25.4% or $0.521 million for 2023/24. This is mainly attributable to Council recognising an increase in the fair value of its investment properties held at 30 June 2024.
Expenses
Total expenses 33.33% to $197.478 million
Overall expenditure for 2023/24 increased by $55.667 million, which is mainly attributed to a $36.666 million increase in net losses on disposal of assets and a $7.898 million increase in depreciation and amortisation expense. Further details are provided below.
Employee benefits and on-costs 8.54% to $49.889 million
Total employee costs increased by 8.54% or $3.926 million for 2023/24 to $49.889 million. This increase in expenditure for 2023/24 is mainly attributable to increased salary costs due to award increases as well as a decrease in the number of vacant positions at Council.
Materials and services 5.35% to $46.083 million
The total cost to Council for materials and services increased to $46.083 million for 2023/24, a $2.340 million increase when compared to 2022/23. This increase can be attributed to an increase in the cost of raw materials and consumables utilised by Council during the financial year.
Borrowing costs 2.18% to $3.411 million
Council saw a decrease in borrowing costs for 2023/4 of 2.18% or $76,000, when compared to 2022/23. This can mainly be attributed to a decrease in the interest payable on Councils external loans as a number of loans near maturity.
Depreciation, amortisation and impairment 18.87% to $49.752 million
Depreciation is a non-cash expense that reduces the value of an asset over time due to wear and tear, ageing of an asset or obsolescence. The Australian Accounting Standards Board (AASB) requires that a revaluation of each asset class is undertaken at least every 5 years. As a result of recently completed capital works and asset revaluations, Council’s depreciation expense increased for 2023/24 by $7.898 million when compared to the 2022/23 financial year.
Other expenses 31.93% to $2.957 million
Other expenses decreased by 31.93% or $1.387 million in 2023/24 when compared to 2022/23. This is mainly attributable to Council providing a one-off contribution to PCYC during 2022/23 to assist with the construction of their new facility.
Net loss from the disposal of assets 52.04% to $45.386 million
Net loss from the disposal of assets increased for 2023/24, up by 52.04% or $36.666 million. This increase in net loss on disposal of assets recognised for 2023/24 is mainly attributable to a write-off of costs associated with construction costs of non-Council owned assets as part of the Riverina Intermodal Freight and Logistics (RiFL) precinct works
Assets
Total
Assets 6.19% to $2.464B
• Infrastructure, Property, Plant and Equipment 3.74% to $2.143B
• Net Assets 4.94% to $2.322B
Cash and Investments
An analysis of Council’s cash holdings at 30 June 2024 highlights that cash and investments increased by $70.656 million for the year. This increased can be mainly attributed to grant funding payments received in advance late in the financial year.
Council’s total portfolio returned +3.86% for the 2023/24 year, underperforming the AusBond Bank Bill Index by 0.51% for the year. The defensive fixed interest assets have outperformed the benchmark return over longer-term time periods (3yrs), with the contributions coming from term deposits (+2.65% p.a.) and FRNs (+3.54% p.a.).
Council, as at 30 June 2024, held 31.34% of its entire investment portfolio in cash and cash equivalents to ensure funds are immediately available for working capital and cash flow purposes. This is an increase from the 30 June 2023 position of 17.89%.
Council engages the services of an independent investment advisor for advice in relation to its investment portfolio.
Reserves
Council operates a number of internally and externally restricted reserves. External restrictions relate to those funds held for a specific purpose and include developer contributions, specific purpose unexpended grants, sewer services, stormwater management, domestic waste services and the levee upgrade special rate variation. External restrictions increased by $58.573 million for 2023/24.
Council continues to maintain a wide variety of internal reserves as detailed in Note C1-3 of the Annual Financial Statements. These reserves have been established by Council resolution and include provisions for future major projects and operations. Internal restrictions increased by $11.976 million for 2023/24.
Unrestricted current ratio
The unrestricted current ratio for 2023/24 is 4.07 times. This ratio has increased from the 2022/23 ratio of 3.24 times. Councils unrestricted current ratio for 2023/24 reflects Council’s strong level of liquidity.
Receivables
Receivables for 2023/24 totalled $17.442 million, a decrease of 3.22% on the previous year. This is mainly due to a decrease in outstanding accounts due to Council for Government grants, in comparison to the previous year.
Rates and annual charges outstanding were 5.31% at 30 June 2024, an increase of 0.17% on the previous year. This outstanding percentage is significantly lower than the benchmark for regional and rural councils of 10%.
Whilst an increase from the previous year, the 5.31% outstanding percentage reflects the continued effectiveness of the debt recovery team within Council and the strategies implemented to ensure successful debt recovery for Council. At the start of the 2018/19 financial year, Council set an internal target of less than 5% outstanding and will endeavour to work with property holders to reduce the outstanding percentage to back under the 5% target.
Infrastructure, property, plant and equipment
Infrastructure, property, plant and equipment (IPP&E) increased for the year by 3.74% to $2.143B. Note C1-7 of the 2023/24 Financial Statements shows the detail of the asset classes that contribute to the total amount of IPP&E. During the 2023/24 financial year, Council recognised total asset additions of $61.809m, including new assets of $19.626m and renewals of $42.183m.
Liabilities
Total liabilities 32% to $142.479 million
• Payables 17% to $16.465 million
• Contract liabilities 375% to $55.150 million
• Lease liabilities 21% to $1.356 million
• Borrowings 9% to $52.686 million
• Employee leave provisions 1% to $13.035 million
• Provisions 14% to $3.787 million
Payables
Council’s payables at 30 June 2024 totalled $16.465 million, a decrease of $3.295m on the previous year. This is mainly due to Council having less outstanding invoices to be paid at 30 June 2024.
Contract and Lease Liabilities
At 30 June 2024, Council’s Contract liabilities totalled $55.150 million and its lease liabilities totalled $1.356 million. This is an increase of 375% for contract liabilities and a decrease of 21% for lease liabilities, when compared to 30 June 2023. The significant increase in contract liabilities held at 30 June 2024 is due to Council receiving advanced payments for a number of capital grants during the financial year. The decrease in lease liabilities at 30 June 2024 is a result of Council making its lease liability payments in 2023/24 as they came due.
Borrowings
Total borrowings for Council now stand at $52.686 million at 30 June 2024, a decrease of $5.089 million from the previous year. Council has a significant borrowing program projected for future years, which aims to address required upgrades to infrastructure and provide additional community facilities to be used by current and future generations.
Provisions
Council’s total provisions at 30 June 2024 total $16.822 million. Council’s provision for employee leave entitlements (i.e. annual leave and long service leave) increased by $145,000 for 2023/24, whilst Council’s provision for asset remediation decreased by $609,000 due to a review of future remediation requirements for these assets.
Business activity reports
Business activity reporting illustrates the results for Council’s various business activities in accordance with the National Competition Policy for Local Government.
It is designed to reflect the full cost to Council of running these activities, as if Council were competing in a normal commercial environment, where the applicable taxes and competitive pricing principles come into effect.
Council operates three distinct business activities being the sewerage network, the Livestock Marketing Centre and the Wagga Wagga Airport.
Sewerage network
Council’s sewerage network serviced a permanent population of 68,716 people. The network consists of in excess of 720 kilometres of gravity and pressure mains and 50 permanent pump stations. Last year 5467ML of sewerage was transported through the Wagga Wagga Local Government Area sewerage network.
Income 7.62% to $24.361 million
Income for sewer for 2023/24 has increased on the 222/23 financial year by 7.62%, or $1.724 million. This is due to an increase in income from Sewer Rates and Annual charges for 2023/24, as well as user charges.
Expenses 17.89% to $23.905 million
Sewer expenditure for 2023/24 increased $3.628 million from the 2022/23 financial year. This increase in expenditure is mainly attributable to increased expenses for materials and services and an increase in loss on disposal recognised for renewal of existing sewer assets.
Surplus (deficit) after tax 19.04% to $3.726 million surplus
The sewer business achieved a $3.726 million surplus result for the 2023/24 financial year, a 19.04% decrease from the 2022/23 result of $4.602 million surplus result. This is mainly due to an increase in materials and services expenses and loss on disposal recognised for renewal of existing sewer assets.
Assets 10.05% to $450.266 million
Total assets for the year increased by $41.117 million or 10.05%, up to $450.266 million. This is a result of an increase in the cash and cash equivalents for Councils sewerage operations.
Liabilities 60.71% to $51.234 million
Liabilities for the sewer business increased by $19.354 million. This increase is mainly attributable to additional contract liabilities recognised for grant funding received in advance.
Reserve balance 15.83% to $52.286 million
The increase in the Sewer reserve balance for 2023/24 is reflective of the surplus after tax from the operation of this activity for the financial year. A surplus reserve balance is required to ensure sufficient funds are available in the future for renewal of the sewer network assets.
Airport
The Riverina continues to be serviced by the Wagga Wagga Regional Airport (Airport, with QantasLink providing return services to Sydney and Brisbane, and Regional Express (Rex) providing return flights to Sydney and Melbourne.
Security screening operations at the airport are contracted to an external provider and have continued to be compliant and meet or exceed the expectations of the Department of Home Affairs, Aviation and Maritime Security (AMS) Division. Council’s significant investment in the future of regional aviation, through the development of the Commercial Aviation Precinct and Light Aircraft Precinct, will continue to grow business, economic development, jobs and flying activity in the region.
The Airport continues to be a leader in regional aviation, contributing significantly to the Gross Regional Product (GRP) and employment as well as achieving its vision of being a centre of national aviation significance.
Income 22.66% to $5.100 million
Income for the airport increased for the 2023/24 financial year, up by 22.66% (or $942,000). This increase in income is mainly attributable to an increase in passenger service charges and security screening charges as domestic travel continued to return to pre COVID-19 levels.
Expenses 11.09% to $8.237 million
The increase in operating expenses for the 2023/24 year is mainly due to an increase in materials and services and depreciation expense for the airport infrastructure assets.
Surplus (deficit) after tax 4.36% to $3.115 million deficit
The net operating result for the airport including depreciation for 2023/24 was a deficit of $3.115 million. The decrease in this deficit for 2023/24, when compared to 2022/23, is mainly attributable to increased income received for passenger charges.
Assets 47.31% to $5.205 million
Airport assets have decreased for 2023/24 by 47.31%, which is mainly attributable to a decrease in the carrying value of Airport infrastructure assets at 30 June 2024.
Liabilities 13.9% to $10.238 million
Airport liabilities have decreased by $1.653 million (or 13.90%) for the year. This is mainly attributable to a decrease in the value of external loan borrowings at 30 June 2024.
Livestock Marketing Centre
The Wagga Wagga Livestock Marketing Centre (LMC) is considered by industry as the premier livestock selling centre in Australia for the marketing of cattle, sheep and lambs. The LMC was established in 1979. The facility is located approximately 10km north of the city in Bomen, a key business and industrial growth location including the Riverina Intermodal Freight and Logistics Hub and the New South Wales Governments strategically positioned Special Activation Precinct. The LMC continues to grow its position as a major driver of agribusiness, employment and economic growth in the Wagga Wagga regional economy and community.
The LMC is wholly owned by Council and operates on a completely self-funded financial model that delivers a significant dividend to Council annually and is distributed to a number of rural and regional projects.
Income 24.61% to $8.416m
Income for the LMC has increased by 24.61% when compared to 2022/23, which is mainly attributable to an increase in the volume and value of sheep, lamb and cattle being sold through the facility.
Expenses 53.68% to $6.891m
Expenses for the LMC increased by 53.68% in 2023/24. This can be attributed to an increase in materials and services costs as well as a loss on disposal recognised on the renewal of existing assets at this facility.
Surplus (deficit) after tax 32.2% to $1.154m surplus
The Livestock Marketing Centre achieved a $1.154m surplus for the 2023/24 financial year. This is a decrease of 32.2%, when compared to the $1.702m surplus generated for 2022/23 and is mainly attributable to an increase in the expenses of livestock being sold through the facility.
Assets 5.82% to $57.203m
LMC total assets have increased this year mainly due to an increase in the value of cash. There has also been in increase in its Infrastructure, property, plant and equipment following significant capital works being completed at the facility.
Liabilities 8.03% to $664K
Liabilities for the LMC have reduced by 8.03% (or $58K) for 2023/24 mainly due to a decrease in the value of outstanding invoices at 30 June 2024 for this business.
Reserve balance 26.47% to $8.324m
The increased closing reserve balance of $8.324m for 2023/24 is reflective of the surplus after tax from the operation of this activity for the financial year.
Stormwater management
Stormwater charges during 2023/24 applied to all properties, with the following exemptions as specified under the Local Government Act:
• Crown land
• Council owned land
• Land held under lease for private purposes granted under the Housing Act 2001 or the Aboriginal Housing Act 1998
• Vacant land
• Rural residential land or rural business land, not located in a village, town or city, and
• Land belonging to a charity or public benevolent institution.
Residential standard stormwater
A charge of $25 was applied to all residential properties (including rural residential lands) that are not exempt from the charge.
Residential medium / high density stormwater
A charge of $12.50 per occupancy was applied to all residential strata, community title, multiple occupancy properties (flats and units), and retirement village style developments that are not exempt from the charge. Subject to a maximum charge of $250.
Business stormwater
A charge of $25 was applied to all business properties (including rural business lands) that are not exempt from the charge.
Properties are charged on a basis of $25 per 350sqm of land. Subject to a maximum charge of $250.
Business strata stormwater
A charge of $5 was applied to all business strata title properties that are not exempt from the charge. Subject to a maximum charge of $250.
Stormwater management
Council’s Stormwater Management Plan 2013/2017 outlined Council’s plans to improve the management of stormwater within the Local Government Area.
