Population growth high on agenda for Wakefield
| 2 June 2017 (amended: 2 June 2017) |
The next five years will be action-packed for the Wakefield region according to the new draft Strategic Management Plan.
Private capital expenditure is expected to double or even triple over the next 5 years compared with the $100 plus million invested in the past 5 years. Wakefield Regional Council plans to do what it can to ensure as much of that growth occurs and to capitalize on that for the benefit of the community.
Council's new Strategic Plan is built on 4 key objectives including economic development, quality infrastructure, meeting community expectations and for the first time population growth.
"Councillors identified early on that focusing on economic development was not enough, as job creation was not translating to people choosing to live within our region" said Mr Jason Kuchel, CEO of Wakefield Regional Council. "For this reason, Council has established population growth as a key pillar of the new Strategic Plan with a number of actions to remove the inhibitors that stop people moving into the area, including access to childcare and availability of lifestyle properties."
Mayor Rodney Reid added that "Potential residents also expect more green spaces and more street trees and that the first impressions of our towns are key to encouraging more people to choose to live here."
"We are excited by the potential to bring more residents into our area which in turn will generate more jobs and security of social services such as hospitals and schools, and more business services such as shops and cafes."
Following extensive workshops and deliberation, the draft Strategic Management Plan for 2017-2022 has been developed and is ready for community feedback.
Mr Kuchel said "Staff and Councillors are excited to get started on the plan. We would encourage all residents and ratepayers to provide their feedback on Council’s draft Strategic Management Plan to enable the plan to be finalized and work to commence."
Council is inviting any interested community or business groups to meet with the Mayor, CEO or senior staff if they wish to gain more insight into the plan.
To submit your feedback on the draft Strategic Management Plan, view Council’s website or alternatively phone the Council office at 8862 0800 and arrange to view a hard copy.