Wagga Wagga City Council End of Term Report 2016-17 to 2020-21

Wagga Wagga City Council End of Term Report 2016/17–2020/21

Acknowledgement of Country Wagga Wagga City Council acknowledges the traditional custodians of the land, the Wiradjuri 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 Wiradjuri and First Nations Communities.

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End of Term Report What’s the End of Term Report?

This report is a summary of the progress we've made in delivering the objectives set out in our Community Strategic Plan 2040 – the blueprint of what you wanted us to accomplish during this term of Council.

The Community Strategic Plan 2040 is broken up into five focus areas: community leadership and collaboration, safety and health, economy, place and identity, and our environment.

Through this report, we’ll look at what you wanted us to achieve, and what we’ve accomplished.

The End of Term Report is prepared as an additional section of the Annual Report in the final year of Council's term in office.

As such, please read this report in conjunction with the annual and performance reports spanning our elected term of 2016/17 through to 2020/21, available at wagga.nsw.gov.au/annualreport

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Community leadership and collaboration What you said We want our leaders to be accountable and transparent We want to be informed and involved in decision making We want our leaders to represent the whole community We want our leaders to plan for the long-term

What we've done We want our leaders to be accountable and transparent

74%

Livestreaming Council meetings We started livestreaming our Council meetings in May 2017, giving our community the ability to listen to the debate and watch voting as it happens in the Council Chambers from wherever they are.

We want to be informed and involved in decision making

Community satisfaction Council information

Read all about it Through Council News, issued every Saturday in The Daily Advertiser, and collaboration with local media outlets, to our social media channels on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter, as well as our own newsletters, flyers and postcards, we work hard to keep you up-todate with what’s happening at Council.

82%

How may I help you?

Our friendly Customer Service team are a hugely important part of Council, helping residents with every kind of enquiry. During our term, the team answered 260,887 phone calls along with assisting many walk-ins at the Civic Centre.

Share your thoughts

Community satisfaction Council communications

While Council may come up with the plans, we want you to let us know whether we’re on the right track.

That’s why we put our major projects on public exhibition for you to read and assess at connect.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.

We want our leaders to represent the whole community As your elected Councillors, we take our duty to represent every member of our region seriously. Our strength as a community lies in our diversity, and it's part of our role to ensure every voice is heard.

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77% Community satisfaction Contact with Council

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Community leadership and collaboration

Reconciliation Action Plan

63% Community satisfaction Community input

By committing to our Reconciliation Action Plan 2019–2021 we’ve made important changes towards recognising, supporting and honouring our First Nations and Wiradjuri community.

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We identified and filled four positions including two apprenticeships in Civil Construction, a traineeship in the Infrastructure Services Directorate, and a traineeship in our People and Safety Division in 2021.

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We employed a further two apprentices who identify as First Nations in our Workshop Team, and the Sewer and Stormwater Division.

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We are continuing our partnership with Girls at the Centre and the Clontarf Foundation, promoting and supporting industry visits and work experience at Council, with two traineeship positions recruited.

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We’re developing a First Nations Employment and Retention Strategy.

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In 2017, we completed a Cultural Burn Project, which included training for a group of First Nations people in bushfire behaviour, firefighting equipment, and experience conducting cultural burns.

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In consultation with the Wiradjuri community, we constructed a Healing Place at the Marrambidya Wetland.

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In 2016, we created a management plan for all significant Aboriginal Places in our Local Government Area.

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We updated our Wiradjuri and First Nations Community Cultural Protocols.

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We added an Acknowledgement of Country to Council’s Civic Centre and to all Council staff emails.

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We incorporated Wiradjuri language and information into our new Visitor Guide.

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We also provide administrative support to the community Aboriginal Consultative Group – Mawang Gaway.

City of open hearts and open arms

80% Community satisfaction Promotion of community pride

Each year we welcome refugees, humanitarian entrants and skilled migrants to our city, as we have done for over four decades. Our residents hail from 112 countries of origin, speak 107 languages and practise 62 faiths. Our annual FUSION Multicultural Street Festival, a celebration of music, food and culture, is our way of honouring our city’s vibrant multicultural identity.

This identity is strengthened with each citizenship ceremony we hold. It’s heartening to witness the radiant faces of our newest citizens and the outpouring of welcome from the local community. Citizenship ceremonies serve as a wonderful reminder of just how special this region is, that so many families who arrive in Wagga Wagga choose it as their permanent home in Australia.

During our term, we’ve also financially supported many culturally diverse community groups through a variety of projects, programs and partnerships alongside key organisations.

Shaping our city We’ve continued to collaborate with our city’s young people through our Shape Your City youth forums, engaging with over 285 people on a range of topics including project management at Council, the Community Strategic Plan 2040 and the Community Safety Action Plan 2025.

We delivered over 18 youth forums at the Wagga Wagga Multicultural Council, the Personnel Group Tolland and E3 Art Space to ensure young people’s voices and opinions were embedded into the planning and development of projects across Council.

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Disability Inclusion Action Plan

71%

Guided by our Disability Inclusion Action Plan 2017–2021, we've been actively working to create a city people of all abilities can enjoy. From our all-abilities playgrounds, adult laydown change facilities, to ramps opening up our Riverside precinct, we’re helping ensure Wagga Wagga is a home that allows everyone equitable opportunities for work and play.

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We installed four adult-accessible lay-down change facilities.

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We opened our region’s first Livvi’s Place, a world-class inclusive play space at Bolton Park.

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We installed six communication boards in our most popular parks.

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We launched a new user-friendly, accessible website, which meets international accessibility requirements and user experience best practice.

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We refurbished the Civic Theatre to vastly increase accessibility.

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Stage 2 of our Riverside development at Wagga Wagga Beach will feature an allabilities play space and an accredited adult-accessible lay down change facility.

Community satisfaction Engagement with councillors

We want our leaders to plan for the long-term We’re ready to advocate for the delivery of major projects and initiatives that contribute to the development of a connected, innovative and diverse city.

Many of these projects and initiatives need approval from other tiers of government and additional funding for successful delivery.

72%

That’s why we created the Advocacy Plan to provide Councillors, staff and other representative groups with a document to use when advocating for our city and seeking approvals, funding, or other support.

Community satisfaction Long-term planning

The plan will also help Council prioritise strategic projects and funding bids when Federal and State Governments announce new funding programs.

Our plans and strategies Across the current term, Council developed and endorsed a broad range of supporting documents to guide the future direction of our Local Government Area. Some of these include: •

Community Strategic Plan 2040

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Livestock Marketing Centre Strategic Master Plan

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Reconciliation Action Plan 2019–2021

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Events Strategy and Action Plan 2020–2024

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Disability Inclusion Action Plan 2017–2021

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Wiradjuri Trail Master Plan

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Wagga Wagga Crime Prevention Plan 2021

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Wagga Wagga City Library Review

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Biodiversity Strategy: Maldhangilanha 2020–2030

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Bolton Park Master Plan

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Local Strategic Planning Statement (LSPS)

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Health and Knowledge Precinct Master Plan

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Recreation, Open Space and Community Strategy 2040

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Advocacy Plan

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Active Travel Plan

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Wagga Wagga City Council Cultural Plan 2020–2030

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Wagga Wagga Integrated Transport Strategy and Implementation Plan 2040

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Press Play. Image Wagga Wagga City Council.

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Safety and health What you said We want to feel safe at home and in public places We want Council to encourage safe practices We want Council to promote a healthy lifestyle

What we've done We want to feel safe at home and in public places •

In consultation with our community, Council developed the Wagga Wagga Crime Prevention Plan 2021. This plan provides us with a framework to work in partnership with police and community partners towards increasing community safety and preventing crime.

78% Community satisfaction Feel safe at home

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Council implemented the LED Streetlighting project, replacing approximately 7000 street lights with state-of-the-art Light Emitting Diode (LED) lighting and smart control technologies.

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We collaborated with the local community to develop two flood risk management studies focusing on flood mitigation and risk management in Wagga Wagga, Tarcutta, Ladysmith and Uranquinty.

83%

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We raised the Murrumbidgee River levee system in Wagga Wagga, giving residents a 1-in-100 year level of protection against flooding. The $8.4 million levee will safeguard the central business district, many of the city’s critical assets, and thousands of homes. A peer review process is underway to investigate potential flood mitigation options for North Wagga.

Community satisfaction Street lighting

We want Council to encourage safe practices •

In collaboration with the Wagga Women’s Health Centre, Council managed theDVproject:2650 – a three-year project aimed at educating our community on the causes of violence against women and their children, promoting gender equality and respect, and challenging rigid gender roles and stereotypes.

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Council partnered with Royal Life Saving NSW to deliver NSW’s first Outback Lifesaver program, teaching children lifesaving water safety skills in pools and inland waterways.

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In partnership with Transport for NSW, Council delivered a series of road and pedestrian safety campaigns, such as Look Out Before You Step Out, Get your hand off it and Wagga Wagga say Yeah NAH to driving tired.

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We continue to provide one of the state’s best pools, with the Oasis Regional Aquatic Centre one of only 45 aquatic centres in NSW to achieve a 5 Star Water Safety Partnership with Royal Life Saving NSW.

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85% Community satisfaction Flood preparation & planning

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Safety and health

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In the last five years, our Environmental Health team has inspected 3550 premises including the food, skin penetration and beauty industries, mortuaries, cooling water systems, and public swimming pools and septics, helping ensure our community’s health and wellbeing.

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Our Glenfield Road Animal Shelter has rehomed thousands of abandoned cats and dogs during our term, and has helped educate the community on caring for companion animals through news articles, radio segments and open days.

We want Council to promote a healthy lifestyle

83% Community satisfaction Cycle network

Wagga Wagga Active Travel Plan We’re constructing a 56 km network of dedicated cycle paths. Our $16.73 million Active Travel Plan is providing residents with a safe, alternative transport option for commuting.

Wagga Wagga Multisport Cycling Complex The $12 million cycling complex we’re constructing at Pomingalarna Reserve will cater for cyclists of all abilities, with the capacity to host regional, state, national and international events.

Recreation, Open Space and Community Strategy 2040 Council implemented the Recreation, Open Space and Community Strategy 2040 in 2017, providing strategic direction for the planning, development, management and use of our community spaces over the next 20 years.

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Growing economy What you said We want to become a regional capital We want Council to attract and support local businesses and industry We want accessible transport networks We want Wagga Wagga to be a tourism destination

What we've done We want to become a regional capital Riverina Intermodal Freight and Logistics (RiFL) Hub We're constructing a modern, efficient and strategically located freight hub at Wagga Wagga. Our RiFL Hub will deliver significant benefits and strengthen the regional economy, creating opportunities for businesses looking to relocate from metropolitan areas and establish in our city.

The RiFL Hub is a core feature of the existing Bomen Business Park – our world-class business precinct, which is the focus of the Wagga Wagga Special Activation Precinct (SAP) master plan.

The $78.6 million RiFL project is critical to the future growth of our city and the broader region, driving growth, creating jobs and increasing productivity.

With freight volumes across NSW projected to double by 2030 and triple by 2050, this project will be one of the most important general freight routes in Australia.

Wagga Wagga Health and Knowledge Precinct We adopted the Health and Knowledge Precinct Master Plan in 2019, which outlines a 25-30 year vision for the area around Wagga Wagga’s two major hospitals. The master plan aims to develop a central activity hub, enhancing our region’s health services and supporting local employment in this key industry.

Livestock Marketing Centre The Livestock Marketing Centre Strategic Master Plan was adopted by Council in May 2016 and outlines our intentions for the continued development of NSW’s premier livestock saleyard to 2035.

The Livestock Marketing Centre (LMC) provides an estimated $32.6 million in gross regional product to the local economy and supports more than 200 jobs.

The LMC’s profitability enabled it to self-fund a $5.2 million upgrade which increased yard capacity and streamlined post-sale cattle delivery. The upgrades also included the installation of shade precincts within sheep yards along with increased stock watering facilities.

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Growing economy

Transport Strategy In 2017 Council implemented the Wagga Wagga Integrated Transport Strategy and Implementation Plan 2040. This strategy forms the blueprint for transport in Wagga Wagga, ensuring the future planning and delivery of projects reflect community expectations.

Industry value add profile Value added by industry is an indicator of business productivity in Wagga Wagga.

Agriculture, forestry + fishing

65,770 Estimated resident population as at 30 June 2020

Manufacturing Electricity, gas, water + waste services Construction Wholesale Trade Retail Trade Accommodation + food services Transport, postal + warehousing

Economic resilience

Information media + telecommunications

WAGGA WAG G A’S

Financial + insurance services

GRP was $4.22B

Professional, scientific + technical services Administrative + support services

IN TH E Y E A R E N D ING JU N E 2 0 2 0

Public administration + safety

Gross Regional Product (GRP) is defined as the total value of goods and services produced in the region over a period of one year.

Education + training Health care + social assistance Other services 0

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% of total value added

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Industry focus

Total labour force in excess of 34,424 Wagga Wagga has a diverse and skilled labour force and low unemployment rate.

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Growing economy

We want Council to attract and support local businesses and industry

5667 Local businesses

We’re here to do business Our Economic Development Team works to keep our city front of mind when businesses are looking for prime opportunities to set up or relocate.

The Business Roundtable has been a key avenue for working with and supporting local business and industry, including representatives from key stakeholder groups and government. We also work closely with the NSW Government to maximise opportunities for our region.

We’ve developed a City Prospectus, showcasing the key features of the city and our villages, as well as a 2020 Economic Snapshot highlighting the key statistics for the region.

We continue to work closely with key stakeholders to promote new growth and development opportunities including the Regional Growth NSW Development Corporation, Regional NSW, Wagga Wagga Business Chamber and Committee for Wagga.

86% Community satisfaction Heritage building enhancement

Annual Grants During our term, we awarded $928,471 in annual grants, supporting local non-profit community groups, individuals and small businesses with projects which directly benefit our community.

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Events $122,120

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Natural Environment $29,677

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Local Heritage $68,120

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Arts and Culture $125,000

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Rural Halls $95,159

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Recreational Facilities $138,027

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Community programs and projects $146,700

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Neighbourhood and Rural Villages $95,934

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Youth-led Initiatives $45,000

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Small Business $62,734

Value of approved development applications (DAs)

$357 million 2020/21

$185 million 2017/18

$166 million

$157 million

2016/17

2019/20

$134 million 2018/19

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We want accessible transport networks Caring for our region’s extensive road network is one of the biggest challenges we’ve tackled as a Council. With a total road network of 2288 kilometres, maintaining and upgrading our roads within each year’s budget is one of our top, ongoing priorities.

During our term we dedicated over $105.78 million to roads-based capital works.

Highlights include the Farrer Road upgrade, Eunony Bridge upgrade, Bomen Enabling Roads, and RiFL Stage 2C Industrial Subdivision.

We also dedicated $38.26 million to roads-based maintenance.

We know we need to do better. That’s why we’ve committed to spending $216.76 million on capital works and $75.02 million on improving local roads in our long-term financial plan.

We want Wagga Wagga to be a tourism destination Tourism is a vital part of our region’s economy, with visitors spending approximately $350 million at local businesses annually. We’ve built strong, collaborative relationships with local businesses and tourism providers through the Wagga Wagga + Surrounds Visitor Guide and Tourism Partner Program, helping our community capitalise on the approximately 6.5 million visitors that have travelled to our region over the last five years.

Events Our Events Strategy and Action Plan 2020–2024 provides a framework and strategic approach to the development, acquisition and investment in events, supporting our vision for Wagga Wagga in its growth to a city of 100,000 by 2038.

Our aim is to build a balanced portfolio of events across the city, generating destination awareness, creating lifestyle and legacy benefits and increasing economic impact.

Our mission is to position Wagga Wagga as a leading regional events destination in NSW by offering a vibrant, diverse and inclusive calendar of events that generate positive economic, social and environmental outcomes for the city.

39% Community satisfaction Local roads

78% Community satisfaction Traffic flow

82% Community satisfaction Public transport

As part of our strategy, we’re targeting the following categories:

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Major tourism events to grow our destination reputation, generate economic impact and create long-lasting social and cultural benefits – e.g. Wagga Wagga Gold Cup, Wagga Wagga Mardi Gras, Stone the Crows Festival, Gears and Beers: Cycling + Craft Beer Festival.

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Sports tourism events and carnivals that use existing assets and infrastructure, create economic benefits and grow our destination’s reputation – e.g. touch football, hockey and netball.

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Marquee sport events that create social benefits for our city, use existing infrastructure and ensure a positive legacy for the city – e.g. Australian Football League (AFL) and National Rugby League (NRL) fixtures.

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Community events that foster community pride and generate social, cultural and environmental benefits – e.g. FUSION, Lost Lanes and FRESH + RE-FRESH.

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Niche business events that draw visitors from beyond our region, generate midweek visitation and benefit local businesses.

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Growing economy

We have the infrastructure to attract major sporting events Our city has become renowned for its ability to host elite sporting events, boasting facilities which are considered some of the best in regional Australia.

Canberra Raiders – NRL Council has developed a partnership with the National Rugby League club Canberra Raiders which has seen three premiership matches played in the city in the past four years at the Exhibition Centre’s McDonald’s Park.

The Raiders have played Penrith (2019) and Newcastle (2021) and in 2022 Melbourne Storm will visit the city. The game in 2020 was cancelled due to the pandemic.

AFL and AFLW Two of the form teams in the AFL played a Community Series game at Robertson Oval in March 2020 in a rematch of the previous year’s grand final – it was a huge coup for the city.

The defending AFL premiers Richmond and Riverina favourites the Greater Western Sydney Giants stepped out on a hot autumn Sunday afternoon to delight AFL fans in a pre-season thriller on a pristine surface.

The weekend feast of Australian Football kicked off on the Saturday with an AFLW competition game between the Tigers and Giants. The Giants won both games.

87% Community satisfaction Festivals & events

NSW State Cup – Junior Touch Wagga Wagga has hosted this prestigious carnival for three years between 2019–2021 and the influx of visitors has proved to be an economic boon for the region.

It attracts up to 10,000 people to the city and despite restrictions due to the pandemic in 2020 and 2021, the carnival successfully went ahead.

Council has secured the carnival in Wagga Wagga for the next two years (2022 and 2023) with the facilities at Jubilee Park described as the best in the state to host a touch event of this size.

W-League football One of the biggest names in Australian football played a W-League trial match in Wagga Wagga in November 2019.

The defending W-League champions Sydney FC started their title defence by winning a preseason friendly against Newcastle Jets.

The Sky Blues marched out their Matildas representatives under stormy skies at McDonald’s Park. The facility was later praised by league officials as outstanding with the high possibility of more games in the future.

Women’s Big Bash League Robertson Oval was again the centrepiece for a major sporting event when the Big Bash came to the city in January 2018.

Sydney Thunder and Adelaide Strikers put the city’s premier cricket ground to the test in a double-header which gave fans the chance to see some of Australia's best women’s players in action.

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Sport events destination Wagga Wagga continues to grow as a destination for various sporting events.

The Oceania Orienteering Championships were held in the city in 2019 and 3x3 Champions League Basketball now stages an annual event at the Wagga Wagga beach precinct in December.

The city is on the verge of attracting national-level mountain bike events as the Multi Sport Cycling Complex progresses towards completion early next year.

Promotion We use social media as our primary marketing tool and platform to help promote our city and events to a broad audience. In the last five years alone our combined Visit Wagga Wagga social media channels have grown from approximately 10,000 to over 33,000 followers, with our posts often shared by Visit NSW, further broadening our reach.

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Victory Memorial Gardens installation. Image Next in Line Films.

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Community place and identity What you said •

We want to feel proud of our city and who we are

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We want to have a great lifestyle

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We want to be a centre for arts, culture and sport

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We want to connect with each other

What we've done We want to feel proud of our city and who we are

82%

Riverside We’re rejuvenating the Wagga Wagga Beach and Murrumbidgee River precinct with the $9.93 million Riverside Stage 2 project. This project will create a large multipurpose recreation space which will become a key destination for residents and visitors. It will be an incredible addition to our beloved beach – named Australia’s number 9 best beach by Tourism Australia.

Community satisfaction Our city's appearance

Botanic Gardens Precinct Renewal Project We’re invigorating and enhancing our Botanic Gardens and surrounds. The project involves the delivery of three sub-projects – the Lord Baden Powell Drive upgrade, Museum of the Riverina Development, and Entwine at the Botanic Gardens – which will create a dynamic, beautiful and accessible space, lifting the status of the precinct from a local to a regional attraction.

We want to have a great lifestyle Wiradjuri Trail Master Plan The Wiradjuri Trail is a 42-kilometre trail encircling our city, connecting some of our most beautiful landscapes including the Murrumbidgee River and environs, wetland, hilltops, parks and reserves.

In 2021 we launched the Wiradjuri Trail Master Plan – a 10-year blueprint outlining plans for the enhancement and development of the trail.

The master plan delivers a clear vision and recommendations that will guide the trail’s future design, development and maintenance.

88% Community satisfaction Parks & playgrounds

83% Community satisfaction Reserves & open spaces

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Community place and identity

Lake Albert Lake Albert is one of our city’s most popular recreational facilities. Caring for our lake is one of our top priorities and, due to recent droughts and catchment changes, has been one of our biggest challenges.

In the 2016/17 financial year we upgraded Apex Park, renewing the car park, widening the boat ramp, addressing erosion issues and providing boat tie-up points.

In 2021 we helped ensure Lake Albert’s long-term water security by signing a Memorandum of Understanding for a Special Purpose Access water licence with the NSW Government.

We want to be a centre for arts, culture and sport

99%

Over 1.37 million people visit Wagga Wagga each year for our business, sporting and cultural events, and to spend time with family and friends.

Cultural Plan

Community satisfaction Wagga Wagga Civic Theatre and Wagga Wagga City Library

The Wagga Wagga City Council Cultural Plan 2020–2030 is our blueprint for a creative city that puts art and culture at the heart of a thriving, innovative, connected and inclusive community. Our cultural plan incorporates major projects that will see the renewal of our cultural infrastructure, and contains over forty recommendations that can be implemented over time to develop arts, culture and heritage across our region.

Arts and culture

93%

Wagga Wagga is a culturally rich and creative city, home to a thriving community of artists, writers, poets, and performers with a wealth of experiences for lovers of the arts. The Wagga Wagga Art Gallery alone welcomes over 40,000 people each year to exhibitions, events, educational and public programs.

Art Gallery upgrade

Community satisfaction Museum of the Riverina

96% Community satisfaction Wagga Wagga Art Gallery

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In 2021 we refurbished the Wagga Wagga Art Gallery. The $192,000 project included the installation of a climate control air-conditioning system, enabling the gallery to accept a greater range of touring shows and individual works from the country’s major art institutions for our community to enjoy.

Museum upgrade We’re also upgrading the Museum of the Riverina’s Botanic Garden site. This $8.6 million project includes major improvements to the museum's exhibition spaces, collection storage and staff areas, helping our team conserve the objects in our care, and tell our region's story in new ways to wider audiences.

Library review The Wagga Wagga City Library is our city’s busiest cultural facility, with around 200,000 visitors each year.

In 2021 we endorsed the Wagga Wagga City Library Review which includes a three-stage upgrade of the facility. The first stage of the review recommends the redesign of existing library spaces, including revamping the front counter area into a contemporary concierge welcome desk, expanding the children’s services area, reconfiguring existing shelving and increasing the number of meeting rooms.

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Sport Wagga Wagga is the inland sporting capital of regional Australia, and is a great place to be a sports lover, whether you’re a player or a spectator.

The phrase ‘The Wagga Wagga Effect’ is used by the Australian Institute of Sport to describe the disproportionately high number of elite sports people who come from regional cities. This effect, combined with Council’s long-term infrastructure development program, attracts national events of all types and sizes to our city.

Multi Purpose Stadium project In 2019, we officially opened the $9 million Multi Purpose Stadium project. Located at the Wagga Wagga Exhibition Centre, the multi-purpose stadium provides a high-quality sporting, community and entertainment space right in the heart of our city.

91% Community satisfaction Sportsgrounds & sporting facilities

Bolton Park Master Plan In 2019, we adopted the Bolton Park Master Plan, a 20-year strategic vision for the Bolton Park sporting complex with a total scope of $66 million worth of projects. The first element we’ve delivered is the new Bolton Park amenities block, which opened in 2021.

We also contributed $3 million in funding to the $23 million Police Citizens Youth Club (PCYC) project with the Federal and State governments contributing $10 million each. The new facility forms part of the Bolton Park redevelopment.

We want to connect with each other We’re a city that embraces and respects the vast range of identities, perspectives, experiences and lifestyles of our residents.

Council’s FRESH + RE-FRESH intergenerational program is a month-long celebration bringing millennial, Gen Y, Gen X, baby boomer and silent generation audiences together to exchange ideas, garner fresh insights and gain new perspectives.

Even our littlest community members are catered for, with our annual Spring Jam festival providing wild and wonderful outdoor adventures, music, food and fun for youngsters and their grown-ups.

While the emergence of COVID-19 restricted the number and size of events towards the end of our term, Council’s Events Team adapted to the situation, holding a variety of successful online and in-person COVID-safe events.

Mardi Gras We were very pleased to support Wagga Wagga’s first Mardi Gras in 2019, which saw over 10,000 people from across the country pour into the city to join us in supporting our LGBTQIA+ community. It was an important day, and the huge turnout was a powerful indicator of how much love and support there is in our region for all members of our community. We’re looking forward to the next event in 2022.

Lost Lanes Our award-winning winter festival has continued to be a great success, with thousands of residents and visitors rediscovering our city’s hidden laneways.

FUSION Our annual FUSION Multicultural Street Festival is a celebration of music, food and culture, and our way of honouring our city’s vibrant multicultural identity.

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Environment What you said •

We want our city to grow sustainably

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We want to protect and enhance our natural areas

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We want our built environment to be functional, attractive and promote health

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We want to create a sustainable environment for future generations

What we've done We want our city to grow sustainably We developed the Local Strategic Planning Statement 2040 (LSPS) – our 20-year plan to guide Wagga Wagga’s growth to 2040. Finalised after extensive community consultation, the LSPS will help us achieve balance between growth, the natural environment, sustainability and liveability for Wagga Wagga and our villages into the future.

The LSPS provides the framework for our city to grow to 100,000 people, while still retaining Wagga Wagga’s friendly, attractive and easygoing personality.

Housing that suits our needs We collaborate and advocate for urban renewal opportunities with State and Federal Government. In partnership with the NSW Government we announced the Tolland Renewal Project in 2020, an expansive social housing project designed to revitalise the suburb of Tolland. The project is also acting as a pilot program to explore how large housing estate renewals can be delivered in regional areas of NSW.

We want to protect and enhance our natural areas Birramal Conservation Area We continue to care for the Birramal Conservation Area, which features a great diversity of flora and fauna. Located within the suburb of Lloyd, and rezoned as E2 for environmental conservation in 2010, the area forms an important part of our city’s landscape, connecting wildlife corridors throughout Wagga Wagga.

Marrambidya Wetland Following five years of planning and construction, Council transformed disused sewerage treatment ponds from the Narrung Street Sewerage Treatment Plant into a wetland.

Officially opened in June 2016, the Marrambidya Wetland provides habitat for migratory and non-migratory birds, water insects, frogs, fish, reptiles and marsupials such as the locally threatened Squirrel Glider.

In 2016 this project won the NSW Local Government Natural Environment Protection and Enhancement: On-ground Works Award.

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Environment

88% Community satisfaction Environmental education

We want our built environment to be functional, attractive and promote health Council staff spend a great deal of time and effort looking after our community assets to ensure our city and villages are looking their best.

From repairing footpaths, re-marking pedestrian crossings, maintaining our sewer network and collecting the garbage, our teams are working hard behind the scenes to keep our built environment clean, tidy and inviting.

We want to create a sustainable environment for future generations While we’re happy to lead the way, we need our community’s support to halt the decline of biodiversity in our region and create a healthier and sustainable future.

Over the last five years, we’ve brought sustainability to the forefront of everything we do.

Part of our approach has been to educate the community, giving examples of the many ways we can work together to protect our shared home.

We’ve developed tours, workshops and incentive programs including litter and illegal dumping programs, guided tours of natural areas, and Plastic Free July workshops.

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School Sustainability Sessions – 280 workshops since 2016

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Plastic Free July

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Guided night walks of natural areas

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Sustainability in our city

•

Slow clothing presentation and workshops

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Wetland tours

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Weed extension activities

Demonstrating sustainable practices One Tree for Me Our One Tree for Me campaign aims to get 65,000 seedlings planted in our local area over the next six years – one seedling for every resident by the end of 2026.

We’ll achieve this goal through a mix of activities including free seedling giveaways, community tree planting activities on community land and through supporting Planet Ark's Schools Tree Day campaign.

So far, we’ve got 12,000 seedlings in the ground and counting…

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Cities Power Partnership We’re one of 100 councils participating in the Cities Power Partnership Program. Local councils who join the partnership make five action pledges to tackle climate change.

87%

In June 2018 we committed to the following: •

Install renewable energy on Council buildings.

•

Roll out energy efficient lighting (particularly street lighting) across the Local Government Area.

•

Provide fast-charging infrastructure throughout key city locations for electric vehicles.

•

Ensure Council fleet purchases meet strict greenhouse gas emissions requirements and support uptake of electric vehicles.

•

Support local community groups with community energy initiatives.

To date, we’ve completed the following pledge items: •

Installed rooftop solar panels on nine Council buildings and facilities.

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Completed energy efficient lighting upgrades to the Civic Centre, Tarcutta Truck Stop and street lighting.

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Installed a fast-charging station for electric vehicles within the Cross Street car park.

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Purchased Council’s first electric vehicle.

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Partnered with Wagga Wagga Urban Landcare to trial the planting of climate-adapted species.

Community satisfaction Waste & recycling services

83% Community satisfaction Protection of natural environment

Solar project Solar energy forms part of our plan to achieve net zero emissions, with systems in place on both the Civic Centre and Livestock Marketing Centre. Combined, these systems generate a total of 182 megawatt hours (MWh) of energy, saving Council over $46,000 annually. Plans are underway to install a solar system at the Oasis Regional Aquatic Centre in 2022.

Waste management Food Organics and Garden Organics (FOGO) We began a new kerbside waste service in 2018. The Food Organics and Garden Organics (FOGO) service introduced a weekly food organics and garden organics collection, with the general waste bin becoming a fortnightly collection.

The service has been a great success, with close to 15,000 tonnes of waste diverted from landfill and turned into compost.

Tip Shop We upgraded our popular Tip Shop and relocated it closer to the Gregadoo Waste Management Centre’s main entry gates. The upgrade is part of our broader redevelopment of the centre to meet the needs of our growing city.

We’re encouraging more residents to bring unwanted items to the Tip Shop rather than put them in the general household waste. The shop is also a great place to start for home renovations or upcycling projects.

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Environment

Minimising our environmental impact Biodiversity Strategy: Maldhangilanha 2020–2030 In 2020 we adopted the Biodiversity Strategy: Maldhangilanha 2020–2030 – an ambitious 10-year strategy designed to help us preserve, protect and enhance our region’s biodiversity.

Our strategy focuses on what we can do to halt the decline of biodiversity in our region, and how we can work together as a community for a healthier and sustainable future.

Net zero emissions target Council adopted a corporate target for net zero emissions by 2040 and a community target for net zero emissions by 2050, after we exceeded our original corporate target of 20 per cent emissions reduction by 2020.

We’re now developing our corporate emissions reduction strategy before presenting it to the community for feedback.

Weed hygiene stations Our Council-designed weed hygiene stations, which help prevent the spread of weeds through our parks and reserves, were recognised at the 2018 Local Government NSW Excellence in the Environment Awards.

Other environmental initiatives

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Roadside Vegetation Management Plan

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Carp control in Wollundry Lagoon and Marrambidya Wetland

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Water stations for wildlife

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Wagga Wagga’s five year sustainability snapshot Council is committed to improving the environmental sustainability of the community and protecting its natural assets.

Council has developed a number of projects that contribute to lowering Council’s emissions and energy usage, enhancing biodiversity through planting native vegetation and managing weed and pest species, and sustainable alternatives to Council operations, like installing solar panels on Council facilities.

Council also encourages the community to contribute towards sustainability by developing tours, workshops, promotion of sustainable practices through communication and media platforms and incentive programs to educate on the importance of a sustainable environment. Some of these programs include litter and illegal dumping programs, guided tours of natural areas, and Plastic Free July workshops.

Environment

Waste

7500

138%

56

total trees planted National Tree Day from 2016 to 2021 by Council

increase of Wagga Wagga’s solar panel installation from 2016-2021, totalling 28.3 MW

Illegal dumping decreased by 56 reports from 2016 to 2021

8.8%

4.7%

34%

decrease in Wagga Wagga LGA water usage from 2016 to 2021

increase in waste generated per capita from 2016 to 2021

decrease in kerbside landfill from 2016 to 2021

1.5%

16.4%

38%

decrease in electricity consumption per capita from 2016 to 2020

decrease in kerbside recycling from 2016 to 2021*

increase in kerbside FOGO from 2018 to 2021

Council’s operations 5%

24%

16%

decrease in water consumption from 2016 to 2021

decrease in fuel consumption from 2016 to 2021

decrease in energy consumption from 2016 to 2021, saving $130K

*During this period FOGO was introduced, where paper and cardboard was accepted into FOGO. The Australian Government also introduced the container deposit recycling scheme, where beverage containers that would normally be recycled at kerbside where recycled using the scheme, creating a lower kerbside recycling percentage.

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How we measured our progress

We used a range of data sources to assess our performance against the objectives set out in our Community Strategic Plan 2040. Note that some of the progress results were impacted by COVID-19.

84%

Data sources 1. City of Wagga Wagga Community Survey: 2017 survey and 2021 survey results 2. The Regional Wellbeing Survey: 2016 results and 2020 results

Community satisfaction Council's performance

3. Australian Bureau of Statistics: latest available data.

4. Wagga Wagga Community Profile ID: latest available data 5. City of Wagga Wagga data: 2016 and 2021

Community leadership and collaboration Source City of Wagga Wagga Community Survey

Community indicator Progress Community satisfaction with provision of The level of satisfaction 74% (+5%) Council information to the community

City of Wagga Wagga Community Survey

Community satisfaction with confidence The level of satisfaction 64% (+1%) in elected Council

City of Wagga Wagga Community Survey

Community satisfaction with The level of satisfaction 71% (-2%) opportunities to engage with Councillors

The Regional Wellbeing Survey

My local government is able to help our community face challenges

The percentage of people who agree 47% (+1%)

City of Wagga Wagga Community Survey

Community satisfaction with long term planning for Wagga Wagga

The level of satisfaction 72% (+6%)

City of Wagga Wagga Community Survey

Community satisfaction with Council's financial management

The level of satisfaction 67% (+5%)

Australian Bureau of Statistics

Percentage of people who volunteer 2011-2016

Percentage of people who volunteer 22% (+1%)

City of Wagga Wagga Community Survey

Community satisfaction with input to Council decision-making

The level of satisfaction 63% (+2%)

City of Wagga Wagga Community Survey

Community satisfaction with Council’s communication

The level of satisfaction 82% (+3%)

City of Wagga Wagga Community Survey

Community satisfaction with the City’s performance

The level of satisfaction 84% (+7%)

Community satisfaction with their contact with the city

Community satisfaction with their contact with the city

The level of satisfaction 77% (+1%)

The Regional Wellbeing Survey

Access to local government services (new measure 2020)

The percentage of people who rated access as good 69%

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Trend

no data

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Our progress

Safety and health Source City of Wagga Wagga Community Survey

Community indicator I feel safe in public places

Progress Percentage of people who agree 52% (+9%)

City of Wagga Wagga Community Survey

Community satisfaction with street lighting

The level of satisfaction 83% (+4%)

City of Wagga Wagga Community Survey

I feel safe in my home

Percentage of people who agree 78% (+1%)

City of Wagga Wagga Community Survey

Community satisfaction with flood protection and preparedness

The level of satisfaction 85% (+13%)

City of Wagga Wagga Community Survey

Wagga Wagga has a variety of leisure and recreation options

Percentage of people who agree 58% (+1%)

City of Wagga Wagga Community Survey

Satisfaction with sportsgrounds and sporting facilities

The level of satisfaction 91% (+2%)

City of Wagga Wagga Community Survey

Community satisfaction with our cycle network

The level of satisfaction 83% (+8%)

City of Wagga Wagga Data

Sports participation figures - adults

Sports participation figures - adults 1491 (-6816)

City of Wagga Wagga Data

Sports participation figures - youth

Sports participation figures - youth 2958 (-1095)

The Regional Wellbeing Survey

Access to general health services

The percentage of people who rated access as good 78% (-2%)

Source City of Wagga Wagga Community Survey

Community indicator Community satisfaction with availability of car parking

Progress The level of satisfaction 62% (+2%)

City of Wagga Wagga Community Survey

Community satisfaction with maintaining The level of satisfaction 39% (-7%) local roads

City of Wagga Wagga Community Survey

Community satisfaction with traffic flow/ congestion

City of Wagga Wagga Community Survey

Community satisfaction with maintaining The level of satisfaction 56% (-7%) footpaths

City of Wagga Wagga Community Survey

The percentage of people who rated access as good 82% (+7%)

The Regional Wellbeing Survey

Percentage of people who indicated having access to good quality public transport Access to high speed, reliable internet

The Regional Wellbeing Survey

Access to mobile phone reception

The percentage of people who rated access as good 71% (+1%)

The Regional Wellbeing Survey

Living costs are affordable here

The percentage of people who agree 63% (+14%)

Wagga Wagga Community Profile ID

Unemployment rate 2016-2021

Unemployment rate 3.1% (-1.9%)

Australian Bureau of Statistics

Number of local businesses 2016-2020

Number of local businesses 5665 (+372)

Trend

Growing economy

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Trend

The level of satisfaction 78% (-2%)

The percentage of people who rated access as good 61% (+9%)

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Our progress

Growing economy Source Wagga Wagga Community Profile ID

Community indicator The City’s Gross Regional Product (GRP) 2016-2020

Progress The City’s Gross Regional Product 4220 M (-46M)

Wagga Wagga Community Profile ID

Value added by tourism and hospitality to the local economy 2014/15 2019/20 Community satisfaction with festival and event programs

Value added by tourism industry to the local economy direct and indirect 1434 M (-62M) The level of satisfaction 87% (-1%)

City of Wagga Wagga Community Survey

Wagga Wagga has a vibrant nightlife

The percentage of people who agree 33% (-1%)

City of Wagga Wagga Community Survey

Wagga Wagga has a variety of entertainment options

The percentage of people who agree 50% (+4%)

City of Wagga Wagga Community Survey

Wagga Wagga has a wide variety of retail options

Percentage of people who agree 69% (-3%)

City of Wagga Wagga Community Survey

Trend

Community place and identity Source The Regional Wellbeing Survey

Community indicator My community is a great place to live

Progress The percentage of people who agree 90% (+2%)

City of Wagga Wagga Community Survey

Satisfaction with promoting pride in the community

The level of satisfaction 80% (-2%)

City of Wagga Wagga Community Survey

Community satisfaction with enhancing of heritage buildings and programs

The level of satisfaction 86% (0%)

Australian Bureau of Statistics

Estimated resident population 20162020

Estimated resident population 65770 (+1864)

Australian Bureau of Statistics

Speaks a language other than English at Speaks a language other than English at home – Census 2011-2016 home 6.6% (+2%)

City of Wagga Wagga Community Survey

I am able to participate in arts and cultural related activities

City of Wagga Wagga Community Survey

Satisfaction with council cultural facilities The level of satisfaction 97% (+5%)

City of Wagga Wagga Community Survey

Satisfaction with community buildings / halls

The level of satisfaction 87% (-1%)

City of Wagga Wagga Community Survey

Community satisfaction with parks and playgrounds

The level of satisfaction 88% (+1%)

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Trend

The percentage of people who agree 57% (+3%)

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Environment Source City of Wagga Wagga Community Survey

Community indicator Satisfaction with protecting the natural environment

Progress The level of satisfaction 83% (-3%)

The Regional Wellbeing Survey

Environmental degradation in general

The percentage of people who rated it as no/low problem 34% (+15%)

City of Wagga Wagga Community Survey

Satisfaction with waste and recycling services

The level of satisfaction 87% (+4%)

City of Wagga Wagga Community Survey

Satisfaction with reserves and open spaces

The level of satisfaction 83% (-4%)

City of Wagga Wagga Community Survey

Satisfaction with the appearance of the city

The level of satisfaction 82% (0%)

City of Wagga Wagga Community Survey

Satisfaction with environmental education programs

The level of satisfaction 88% (+4%)

City of Wagga Wagga Data

Number of hectares of protected natural Number of hectares of protected natural vegetation vegetation 4745Ha (+160Ha)

City of Wagga Wagga Data

Number of closure / high alert days for Lake Albert

City of Wagga Wagga Data

Number of days considered as having unhealthy air quality

END OF TERM REPORT 2016/17–2020/21

Trend

Number of closure/high alert days for Lake Albert 1 case / 1 day closure (-2 cases / -41 days closure) Number of days considered as having unhealthy air quality 25 (+18)

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City of Wagga Wagga

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PO Box 20, Wagga Wagga NSW 2650 Cnr Baylis and Morrow Streets, Wagga Wagga NSW