Overview

The Southern Growth Area (SGA) precinct was first identified in 2021 following the lodgement of a planning proposal known as 'Sunnyside'. The SGA is an area of 844.8ha located to the south of Wagga Wagga. It is dissected into four distinct zones which are shown in the image below.

The Southern Growth Area is an important and well-contemplated strategic component of Wagga Wagga’s approach to supplying housing for our community that is accessible, affordable, and timely. Rezoning of the SGA is supported by existing adopted planning policy and responds to recent drivers of change within Wagga Wagga’s housing and economic environments.

Council has previously received and considered two planning proposal applications in the Southern Growth Area at its Ordinary Council Meetings held on 22 August 2022 and 7 November 2022.

These proposals have since been consolidated into a single planning proposal following extensive discussions with the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure (DPHI) and the proponents.

Council staff have subsequently undertaken significant analysis and strategic planning to prepare the Southern Growth Area Strategic Context Paper, which is high-level structure planning for the SGA providing the overarching framework, consistent with existing strategic policy, for consideration of proponent-led planning proposals that respond to the precinct scale needs.

Context

Wagga Wagga, along with other parts of Regional NSW, are currently experiencing a major housing shortage, with demand for rentals and houses to purchase far outstripping the current housing supply in the marketplace.

The Wagga Wagga Local Strategic Planning Statement - Wagga Wagga 2040 (Wagga LSPS) sets the long-term strategic framework for planning and development in Wagga Wagga over the next 20 years.

The LSPS nominates residential development and growth areas in the north and the south of the city, with a principal focus on the Northern Growth Area (NGA). While the NGA precinct remains the primary focus for council led land rezoning, changes in population growth and economic factors, highlights the need for short, medium and long-term land releases to stimulate multiple competitive growth fronts and additional supply over time.

Zone 1

At its 13 May 2024 Ordinary Meeting, Council received and noted the Southern Growth Area Strategic Context Paper and resolved to consider and assess planning proposals within Zone 1 of the SGA, where they meet the existing strategic merit identified within the Paper.

The Context Paper was also prepared to respond to Council's recommendations g). and h). of the Council resolution of 22 August 2022, by providing high-level structure planning for the Southern Growth Area. The Paper also responds to the Department’s request that further strategic justification be prepared and additional analysis of factors of change be provided before consideration of any further planning proposals at Gateway.

Zone 1 (341.6ha) is an area known as Sunnyside and Rowan. This Zone is identified as an area that has high development potential because it is in consolidated ownership between two parties and substantial infrastructure service and delivery modelling has already been undertaken.

Council, the State Government, and the proponents have worked together since 2022 to enable the precinct vision to be achieved and implemented.

Council is currently assessing a planning proposal to rezone land within Zone 1. Further information regarding this planning proposal is available here.

Zones 2-4

Council staff will undertake further project planning and scoping work to determine the cost and resourcing required to undertake more complete precinct structure planning for Zones 2-4 of the SGA. As zones 2-4 will impact existing dwellings on Wagga Wagga’s urban fringe it will involve a full community engagement process. A strategic paper outlining this approach and project framework will be brought forward to council at the appropriate time.

Associated Projects

  • Plumpton Road Project

    Upgrading Plumpton Road in preparation for increased traffic and population growth in the city's south.

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