 |
Mayor Greg pictured with our exchange student Irene Chung.
Our guest speaker today was Club Member and Mayor, PP Greg Conkey. Wearing his Mayoral hat Greg provided us with some facts and figures about Wagga and then opened the floor for questions.
Some of the facts included:
- Wagga Population 66,000 based on the last census; $1.5 Billion of assets; $1 Billion of development applications.
- 107 languages are spoken in Wagga by over 110 different ethnicities.
- Wagga has 1.3 million visitors per year.
- The median house price is $347,000.
- The retail catchment population is 190.000.
- There are 116 medical specialists and 90 + G.P's.
- Wagga holds many festivals and community events. Some of the biggest are Fusion, attracting 14,000 people, Food and Wine Festival and the Gears and Beers festival.
- The second stage of the levy bank has started. North Wagga is a contentious spot and discussions are to be held with community representatives in the next week of so.
- Eunony Bridge needs upgrading.
- Riverside Precinct to receive $5 million upgrade.
- Museum of the Riverina will receive a $3 million upgrade.
- The Active Transport Strategy will proceed costing $20 million.
- The Multi Purpose Stadium costing $9 Million is underway.
- A new Nursing Home is proposed for South Campus.
- The Freight Terminal at Bomen has been approved and will move forward as soon as the deed is signed by the State Government.
- A new school at CSU to be built for a cost of $38 million.
In response to members questions Greg said that the Bomen Estate is the jewel in Wagga's crown and will generate growth for years to come. Nearby Estella has a growth rate of 5.8%, one of the highest in the state. The Fast train proposal restricts the distance to a 300 k radius from Sydney, so Wagga will miss out but Council is trying to change the government's mind.
David Pyke thanked Greg for his very informative update for the club which was greatly appreciated by members.