Residents across Wagga Wagga and surrounding villages and rural areas have been bringing great ideas, questions and insights to the table during a series of ongoing community engagement sessions hosted by Council.

The sessions, being held throughout November 2025, provide an opportunity for residents to share their views on several key items currently on public exhibition, including the draft Community Engagement Strategy (CES) and Community Participation Plan (CPP), and the Rural Residential Consultation for Kerbside Collection Services.

Chief Operating Officer Scott Gray said the conversations have been thoughtful and constructive, reflecting the community’s interest in learning more about how Council engages and plans for the future.

“It’s been fantastic to hear directly from residents about how they’d like to be kept informed, and to partner with them in improving clarity around the part community feedback can play in Council decision-making,” Mr Gray said.

“We’re grateful to those who’ve attended the sessions so far, for helping us shape an approach that genuinely reflects the community’s needs, priorities and expectations.”

Alongside the discussions about how Council connects with the community, residents living in rural residential areas have also been sharing their perspectives on kerbside waste collection.

Manager of Waste and Recycling Andrea Baldwin said the input from these sessions has been instrumental in helping Council better understand local needs ahead of finalising the next kerbside contract, due to begin in 2027/28.

“Our rural and village residents have brought excellent local knowledge to the discussion, from road access and property sizes to waste habits and service priorities,” Ms Baldwin said.

“Hearing these on-the-ground insights has been invaluable as we work to design a service contract that’s practical, sustainable and effectively meets the diverse waste management needs of our whole community.”

Residents are encouraged to visit haveyoursay.wagga.nsw.gov.au to learn more – including about upcoming community sessions for kerbside services – and to provide their feedback on items open for public consultation, including the CES and CPP.