Community Strategic Plan (CSP) Closing Date Extension

The closing date for submissions on the draft for the Wagga Wagga City Council Community Strategic Plan (CSP) has been extended to Friday 28 March 2025. The Community Strategic Plan (CSP) is designed to provide Wagga Wagga City Council direction for future plans and strategies for the Wagga Community.

The extension was decided with the intention to give community members more time to review and provide Wagga Wagga City Council more feedback on the document.

2023 - 2024 Land Monitor Report launched

L - R: Dr Joe McGirr MP, NSW Member for Wagga Wagga; Melanie Renkin, Research Officer at RDA Riverina; Tony Balding, HIA Wagga branch ; Scott Sanbrook, CEO of Committee4Wagga; Richard Pottie, Managing Director of Ladex Construction Group Pty Ltd; Rachel Whiting, CEO of RDA Riverina; Mark Hillis, RDA Riverina Board Member

Melanie Renkin, Research Officer at RDA Riverina, presenting the data featured in the Land Monitor Report 2023 - 2024.

Launched today in Wagga Wagga, The Land Monitor Report 2023-24 offers an analysis of vacant land supply, demand, and housing trends in the Wagga Wagga local government area. Population growth is putting strain on the housing market as projections indicate a need for 222 new homes annually, while lot production decreased 43.4% this year. Decreasing land availability contributes to rising land prices, rents, and house values, negatively impacting the local economy with significant losses in potential output and jobs.

The report is the result of a collaboration between Regional Development Australia Riverina, the Housing Industry Australia Wagga branch, and Committee4Wagga.

The report examines vacant lot distribution across suburbs, time to build, lot sizes, and future residential development potential. Additionally, the report looks at building approvals, and the median cost of construction as well as vacant land.

L-R: John Sidwick, Director Regional Activation at Wagga Wagga City Council; Tony Balding, HIA Wagga branch; Melanie Renkin, Research Officer at RDA Riverina; Greg Weller, Executive Director ACT/Southern NSW at HIA

TAFE NSW Connects Digital - Survey

TAFE NSW is seeking feedback to help TAFE NSW deliver services and spaces that will help your community thrive. Whether you have been to TAFE or not they would love to hear your thoughts.

Close Date: 31 March

Help Make NSW Sport more inclusive - survey

The State Government agency for sport and active recreation, is partnering with Multicultural NSW to learn more about how people from diverse communities participate in sport.

Your feedback will help the Government better understand people’s experiences and help to make sport in NSW more inclusive.

Government Announces Universal Outdoor Mobile Coverage Reform

The Labor Government has unveiled a world-first reform to provide basic universal outdoor mobile coverage across Australia. The initiative, known as the Universal Outdoor Mobile Obligation (UOMO), mandates mobile carriers to offer mobile voice and SMS services almost everywhere in the country.

The UOMO reform aims to expand mobile coverage up to 5 million square kilometres, including over 37,000 kilometres of regional roads. This will ensure that Australians have access to mobile services in national parks, hiking trails, farms, and other outdoor areas where they can see the sky.

Key objectives of the UOMO include:

• Expanding access to Triple Zero emergency services nationwide.

• Addressing existing mobile black spots to improve outdoor voice and SMS coverage.

• Enhancing the availability of mobile signals during disasters and power outages.

This ambitious reform is made possible by advancements in Low Earth Orbit Satellites (LEOSats) and Direct to Device (D2D) technology, which allow signals from space to reach mobile devices directly. The government plans to introduce legislation in 2025, with the implementation of outdoor SMS and voice services expected by late 2027. Many Australians are likely to gain access before then.

The government will collaborate with stakeholders and industry to ensure the legislation is effective and adaptable, considering factors such as supply and spectrum availability. Additionally, the government will work with the University of Technology Sydney to expand handset testing, ensuring consumers are informed about device compatibility and experience.

This initiative is part of the government's broader commitment to modernising Australia's telecommunications infrastructure, including a $3 billion investment to complete the fibre NBN. The government will also continue to evolve its co-investment programs, such as the Mobile Black Spot Program and Mobile Network Hardening Program, to further expand terrestrial mobile coverage, resilience, and capacity.

Wagga Wagga Rail Bypass

The Federal Government has announced a $30 million investment plan for a potential rail bypass of Wagga Wagga. This initiative, known as the Wagga Wagga Freight Bypass - Planning project, aims to enhance freight movement, productivity, and the resilience of the rail network in the region.

The current Inland Rail route, designed by former federal Governments, passes through the centre of Wagga Wagga. In response to community concerns about potential disruptions, the government is planning modifications to limit noise and ensure adequate cross-town access. The Independent Review of Inland Rail recommended planning for an alternative route once the Inland Rail has been operational for some years.

The planning works are expected to begin in 2025 and be completed by mid-2030. This project is part of the government's broader commitment to infrastructure investment in New South Wales, with a total commitment of $21 billion over the next 10 years.

Griffith agricultural business named as finalists for prestigious award

Griffith’s Mandolé Orchard has been named as a finalist in the most prestigious competition of the Sydney Royal Wine, Beer & Cider, Distilled Spirits, Cheese & Dairy Produce, and Fine Food Shows.

The Royal Agricultural Society of NSW President’s Medal recognises and rewards Australia’s best producers, who are recognised for the overall integrity of their production practices. The medal is awarded to those who not only bring a product to market but also ensure the sustainability and prosperity of the future of Australian agriculture.

The judging criteria are governed by a triple bottom line approach which examines the sustainability of environmental, economic and social-good management practices throughout the production cycle from farm gate to plate.

The Mandolé Orchard is a sustainable family farm established in 2004 in Griffith, committed to growing and producing high quality Australian almonds and almond-based products.

Eight finalists are competing for the 18th Annual President’s Medal. The medal winner will be announced at the Sydney Royal Easter Show on 16 April 2025.

Social Impact Management Plan - Survey

Transgrid would like Riverina residents to provide feedback on the HumeLink West and HumeLink East Social Impact Management Plan (SIMP) Survey.

The (SIMP) is designed to outline the process of managing and monitoring social impacts and identifying opportunities that can improve the social and economic benefits of HumeLink.

A podcast on RESETTLEMENT: Wiradyuri Gawaymbanha-gu Malamanha

Listen to Luke Wighton, a Wiradyuri man from Condobolin as he talks to Elders who share and discuss their histories, memories, and reflections on living as Indigenous peoples. On his new podcast titled RESETTLEMENT: Wiradyuri Gawaymbanha-gu Malamanha.

The recordings were made in 2024, 50 years after the launch of the Aboriginal Family Resettlement Scheme. The scheme aimed to encourage families to move from smaller and remote communities to larger rural communities such as Wagga Wagga to be closer to essential health and educational services.

Government Invests Over $21 Million in Regional NSW Infrastructure Projects

The Australian Government has committed over $21 million to enhance social infrastructure in regional New South Wales. This investment will support four major projects aimed at revitalising town precincts and boosting local economies.

Key Actions:

1. Cessnock: Over $14 million will transform Apex Park into a vibrant precinct, connecting local businesses, community groups, service providers, and the Cessnock Pool recreation area.

2. Mudgee: $2 million will be invested in the Mortimer Street Precinct to revitalise the south-eastern section of the Mudgee CBD, including plans for a hotel, residential apartments, commercial shops, restaurants, car parks, green spaces, and pedestrian connections.

3. Bathurst: The Connected Regional Neighbourhoods project will receive $1.7 million to develop a business case, master plan, and concept designs for the Bathurst CBD, incorporating smart, sustainable technologies and active transport infrastructure.

4. Cobar: Nearly $3.5 million will fund the design and planning works for the Grand Precinct, including the redesign of the Grand Hotel into a cultural-commercial hub, library upgrades, town hall restoration, senior housing, and streetscape improvements.

These projects are part of the regional Precincts and Partnership Program, which aims to transform regional, rural, and remote areas by investing in community infrastructure.

NBN Co Completes $480 Million Upgrade to Fixed Wireless and Satellite Services

Households and businesses in regional, remote, and outer-urban areas are now benefiting from faster broadband and increased data capacity, following the completion of NBN Co’s $480 million upgrade to its Fixed Wireless and Satellite services.

The upgrade has enabled around 800,000 premises to access broadband speeds of at least 100/20 Mbps. These enhanced speeds facilitate smoother streaming, faster downloads and uploads, and stronger connections, even with multiple devices online simultaneously.

The fixed wireless upgrades have significantly improved average end-user download speeds, increasing from approximately 48 Mbps in 2022 to over 100 Mbps today. Additionally, the use of the latest 4G and 5G wireless technology has allowed an extra 120,000 premises to access fixed wireless services for the first time.

NBN Co has introduced two new faster speed tiers, with around 90% of premises in the fixed wireless footprint now able to access speeds of up to 200-250 Mbps download, and around 80% of premises able to access speeds of up to 400 Mbps.

These upgrades are designed to meet Australia’s growing demand for data. The average Australian household currently uses more than 450GB of data per month, with around 22 connected devices. This is expected to increase to 1 Terabyte and more than 40 devices by the end of the decade.

In addition to the fixed wireless upgrades, the program has also enhanced NBN’s Sky Muster satellite service, providing much-needed connectivity options for over 200,000 households and businesses in regional and remote Australia. Customers now have access to unlimited data through NBN Co’s Sky Muster Plus Premium, offering download speeds of up to 100 Mbps.

This $480 million upgrade complements the Albanese Government’s broader investment in delivering a world-class NBN fibre network, backed by an additional $3 billion equity investment.

Government Ensures Future of Regional Aviation Services

The Australian Government has announced measures to secure critical aviation services for regional Australia. Collaborating with the administrators of Regional Express Holdings (Rex), the government aims to ensure these services continue beyond 30 June 2025.

Key Actions:

• Support for Rex: Working with shortlisted bidders to provide necessary support, contingent on maintaining service levels for regional communities.

• Contingency Plans: Exploring options, including potential Commonwealth acquisition, if no buyer is found.

• Financial Aid: Providing a loan of up to $80 million and acquiring $50 million of Rex's debt to keep regional routes operational.

• Operational Support: Waiving the "use it or lose it" test for Rex's flight slots at Sydney Airport until 24 October 2026.

These steps highlight the government's commitment to maintaining connectivity and supporting local economies in regional and remote areas.

Funding to strengthen First Nations arts and languages

The Australian Government is investing over $68 million to support First Nations arts and language organisations across Australia. This funding, distributed through the Indigenous Visual Arts Industry Support (IVAIS) and Indigenous Languages and Arts (ILA) programs, aims to sustain vital cultural practices.

IVAIS Program:

• Over $38 million allocated to 83 First Nations-owned art centres, fairs, regional hubs, and industry service organisations.

• Supports artists and arts workers in earning income, developing skills, and connecting to the art market.

ILA Program:

• Nearly $30 million for 70 community-led language and arts activities.

• Focuses on conserving and revitalising First Nations languages and cultural expressions.

Notable grant recipients include Arlpwe Artists Aboriginal Corporation in NT, Ardyaloon Art and Culture Centre in WA, and Numburindi Development Aboriginal Corporation in NT.

Ministers Tony Burke and Malarndirri McCarthy highlighted the importance of these programs in preserving and promoting First Nations cultures, ensuring sustainable infrastructure for future generations.

Australian Government Invests $12 Million to Upgrade Regional Airports in NSW

The Australian Government is investing nearly $12 million to upgrade regional airports across New South Wales under Round 4 of the Regional Airports Program. These upgrades are vital for regional communities, providing better access to emergency healthcare, commerce, industry, tourism, and education.

Key Projects and Funding:

• Merimbula Airport: $3.8 million for an 80-metre runway extension, enabling larger aircraft to land.

• Moruya Airport: Over $200,000 for runway, taxiway, and apron resealing, and lighting replacement.

• Albury Airport: $5 million for a full runway overlay to improve safety and support larger aircraft.

• Moree Regional Airport: $1 million to upgrade the aeromedical apron, taxiway, and parking bays.

• Griffith Regional Airport: Almost $500,000 to replace ageing runway lights.

• Mudgee Regional Airport: $220,000 for stormwater drainage upgrades.

These improvements will enhance safety, accessibility, and capacity at regional airports, supporting emergency services, boosting the economy, and promoting tourism.

Australian Government Secures Commitments to Maintain Regional Banking Services

The Australian Government has successfully secured commitments from major banks to ensure that banking services remain available in regional areas. This initiative aims to address the decline in regional banking services, with 36% of bank branches in regional Australia having closed since 2017

• Moratorium on Branch Closures: NAB has committed to a new moratorium on regional branch closures, with CBA and Westpac extending their existing moratoriums. These commitments ensure no regional branch closures by these banks before 31 July 2027.

• New Bank@Post Agreements: CBA, NAB, and Westpac have reached new in-principle agreements with Australia Post, and ANZ has agreed on key terms to join the service. These agreements will enhance the financial outlook for Bank@Post and provide greater certainty and choice for banking customers in rural and regional areas.

The Government is also working on longer-term options to ensure sustainable banking services, including a focus on cash distribution and accessibility.

Minister for Local Government, Kristy McBain MP, emphasized the importance of these measures in keeping regional communities connected and thriving.

2025 National Awards for Local Government

Nominations are now open for the 2025 National Awards for Local Government, celebrating locally led innovation. Now in their 39th year, these awards honor local councils across 13 categories.

New Categories for 2025:

• Affordable Housing: Recognising leaders and projects addressing housing need from policy, planning, social, or infrastructure perspectives.

• Outstanding Rural and Remote Council: Honoring achievements of smaller, more remote or rural councils.

Key Details:

• Nominations Open: Until 17th of March 2025

• Voting Period: 18th of March to the 18th of April

• Eligibility: All elected local government organisations and associations, and other recognised organisations providing direct services to Australian communities

Examples of Winning Projects from 2024:

• Armidale Regional Council’s Girls in Civil program

• City of Launceston’s public Wi-Fi network rollout

• Wyndham City Council’s LIT light experience

Early Works Begin on Inland Rail Safety Upgrades in Regional NSW

In a significant move to enhance transportation safety and efficiency, early works are set to commence on the removal of two railway level crossings and the implementation of improved safety measures along the Inland Rail project corridor near Parkes and Illabo in regional New South Wales. This initiative, backed by a combined investment of $350 million from the Australian Government and the New South Wales Government, aims to revolutionize the region's transport infrastructure.

The project will see the level crossings on the Newell Highway at Tichborne and the Olympic Highway at Harris Gates replaced with grade-separated crossings, such as overpasses or underpasses. This upgrade is expected to significantly improve road and rail safety, while also facilitating faster and more reliable freight delivery.

Geotechnical investigations, biodiversity studies, and Aboriginal cultural heritage surveys at the Tichborne site will commence on Wednesday, February 12th. These works will be conducted on weekdays from 7am to 6pm until the end of March, weather permitting. During this period, intermittent traffic changes, including stop/slow traffic movements, will be in place on the Newell Highway. Similar investigations at the Harris Gates intersection are scheduled to follow in the coming months.

The Inland Rail project is part of a broader $450 million commitment to grade-separating Inland Rail interfaces with roads across NSW. This initiative aims to enhance national freight and supply chain networks while reducing transport emissions and improving road safety. Once completed, the project will enable double-stacked train movements up to 1.8 kilometres long, boosting the efficiency of goods transportation between Melbourne and Brisbane via inland NSW.

This development is expected to create thousands of jobs and better connect regional businesses, manufacturers, and producers to national and global markets, ultimately benefiting the regional economy and enhancing the overall safety and reliability of Australia's transport infrastructure.

New Australian Government Drought Plan

The Australian Government has released a new Drought Plan aimed at guiding and explaining policies and programs for farming businesses and communities as they prepare for, manage through, and recover from drought. This plan is a significant step towards providing clear, coordinated, and collaborative support for those affected by drought conditions.

Key Features of the Drought Plan:

• Clear Guidance: The plan offers a detailed explanation of what the government will and won’t do during droughts, ensuring that farmers have a clear understanding of available support.

• Program Details: It outlines the various programs available to assist farmers before, during and after droughts, providing a comprehensive support framework.

• Improved Coordination: The plan promotes better coordination of drought-related programs across Australian, state, and territory governments, aiming for a more unified approach.

• collaborative Efforts: It seeks to work closely with farmers, their communities, the agriculture and finance sectors, and other government and non-government organisations to address drought challenges effectively.

The Drought Plan supports the National Drought Agreement (NDA) which was signed earlier this year between the Commonwealth, states, and territories. It explains how the Australian Government will meet its obligations under the agreement, covering measures for drought preparedness and support for farmers in hardship, regardless of when and where drought conditions occur.

This 5-year plan is a crucial tool in ensuring that farming communities are better equipped to handle the impacts of drought, providing them with the necessary resources and support to thrive even in challenging conditions.

Job Opportunity: Executive Director at Eastern Riverina Arts

Easter Riverina Arts is on the lookout for a visionary and strategic Executive Director to lead a dynamic team and make a significant impact across the region. This role involves championing arts and cultural initiatives, fostering transformative partnerships, overseeing sector development programs, and cultivating a positive, high-achieving organisational culture.

The ideal candidate will have proven executive experience in strategy, finance, and people management, along with a deep passion for arts, culture, and community.

Application deadline: 5pm, Monday 10th February 2025

Job listing: https://www.easternriverinaarts.org.au/news/job-opportunity-executive-director

Eastern Riverina Arts Announces Exciting Art Commissions

Eastern Riverina Arts is thrilled to announce two new art commissions for the Station Creative Workspace in Wagga Wagga. The first Commission is for an Acoustic Artwork in the meeting room, themed around Voice and Collaboration. This piece will enhance the room’s acoustics while complementing its professional atmosphere.

The second commission is for a large-Scale Installation in the stairwell, themed around Interconnection and Creative Evolution. This bold and innovative artwork will reflect the identity of the creative hub and inspire everyone who passes through.

Key Details:

• Budget: $2500 (+GST) per commission

• Timeline: Completion by 1st May 2025

• EOIs Close: 17th February 2025

• Eligibility: Open to creatives in the Eastern Riverina Arts service region

Arts are invited to submit their proposals, including their concept, timeline, and budget, for a chance to bring their vision to life at the station.