Wagga Wagga City Council is seeking community feedback on three key plans that shape the future of your city, villages and their communities.
Council invites submissions from community members to ensure we've got your vision right, and you have the chance
to have your say.
Council currently has three draft plans on exhibition; Public Art Plan 2022-2026; All Abilities Inclusion Action Plan 2022-2026; and the Community Safety Action Plan 2022-2026.
The Wagga Wagga Public Art Plan is a framework for public art in the city and surrounding villages for the period 2022- 2026. Public art celebrates who we are and is an important way to bring our public spaces to life, adding to their vibrancy, accessibility and their role in education and sharing stories.
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 Cultural Officer Lauren Reynolds encourages all local residents who have an interest in public art in the city to get involved in the process and submit their feedback.
"Public art ties us to our community and our surroundings," Ms Reynolds said. "It enriches and stimulates our lives and can be supported through planning in order to flourish."
The plan's four key areas of focus are Wiradjuri Heritage and Culture; Events; Neighbourhoods, Suburbs and Villages; and Explore the City.
The plan is open for submissions until 5pm, 12 July 2022.
The All Abilities Inclusion Action Plan 2022-2026 (formerly the Disability Inclusion Action Plan - DIAP) is also open for submission until 5pm, 12 July 2022. This is a framework for Wagga Wagga City Council to inform and understand what makes life easier for people living with all abilities in our community.
Social Planning Coordinator Sarah Lehman emphasises the importance of participation in the plan.
"It is imperative we co-create this plan with our community to continue working towards improving the lives of people living with all abilities, as well as their families and carers, Ms Lehman said. "Your feedback provides important insights into individual and community needs and aspirations, and will be used to build upon the knowledge contained in the draft plan."
The plan focuses on developing positive community attitudes towards all abilities; creating liveable communities; improving access to mainstream services; and increasing access to meaningful employment.
Participation by members of our community will help us deliver responsive plans that will continue to build the vibrancy, accessibility, and character of our city, villages and communities.
The Community Safety Action Plan 2022-2026 follows on from the success of its predecessor the Wagga Wagga Crime Prevention Plan 2021. The Community Safety Action Plan 2022-2026 moves towards a broader safety focus with the understanding that everyone has a role to play in the safety of the community.
This updated plan has a strong community voice informed by extensive engagement with a broad section of residents and organisations in Wagga. This process has resulted in a plan that reflects the diversity of the community.
Consultation was also conducted with key services and stakeholders that play a role in keeping the community safe, including, Wagga Wagga Local Police Service, Department of Communities and Justice, Department of Housing, Department of Community Corrections, NSW Health, Wagga Wagga Cooperative Legal Service Delivery Network, Wagga Women's Health Centre and representatives from Wagga Wagga Neighbourhood Watch.
Interested residents are encouraged to participate by reading the plan and submitting feedback online: wagga.nsw.gov.au/public
The plan is open for submissions until 5pm, 12 July 2022.
Hard copies can be collected from Civic Centre Customer Service, Corner of Baylis and Morrow Streets, Wagga Wagga NSW 2650.
You can contact Council's customer service team on 1300 292 442 with any questions.