10 key projects for Wangaratta redevelopment

Source: Wangaratta Chronicle 18.08.08

THE Rural City of Wangaratta is set to take on 10 major projects as part of what it terms phase two of the city’s redevelopment.

The projects, coming with multi-million dollar price tags, will be considered by councillors at the monthly council meeting to be held at Moyhu tomorrow night.

Topping the list is the ongoing develepoment of the Ovens River promenade and public square, while the upgrade of the Wangaratta Showgrounds and the planned new Centre for Learning Excellence are also prominent.

The other major infra-structure project listed is extensions to the Wangaratta Government Centre as a result of its growing popularity with government department tenants.

City chief executive officer, Doug Sharp, in his report to be considered at the council meeting, said that council was "now emerging out of what can be described as phase one of a civic rebuilding program".

"The projects that make up this phase have, or will have, a significant impact on the future of Wangaratta and region," he said.

These projects include the Wangaratta Government Centre, Wangaratta Library, Performing Arts Centre, HP Barr Community Centre, Children’s Services Centre, Sinclair Drive industrial estate, North Wangaratta industrial estate infrastructrue upgrade, Glenrowan Revitalisation project and the first stage of Ovens Riverside.

"There are compelling reasons to continue this momentum," Mr Sharp said.

"Apart from council’s desire to see Wangaratta region grow and prosper, a number of other drivers are pushing in the same direction creating an unprecedented and irresistible force.

"There has never been a better time for regional centres, but particularly Wangaratta, to push into another phase of development," he said.

Other projects on the Phase Two list include the rail trail from Wangaratta to Oxley, Wangaratta water supply security, Newman Street urban renewal, sewerage reticulation of Parfitt Road, car parking strategy and traffic management plan, and water and sewerage services to smaller townships.

"Each of these projects will require funding partnerships, a mix of funding options, cross sectional input and a multi-government approach."

Mr Sharp said that significant grant opportunities were available and council’s ten year financial plan would allow for continued involvement in capital works of this type.

"Council has significant capacity to borrow to meet a financial contribution, being well below its existing prudential borrowing limits," he said.

Mr Sharp will seek endorsement from councillors for the Phase Two listed projects at tomorrow night’s council meeting.