Wagga is expected to need another 5000 houses by 2041 to accommodate the projected 9000 extra people in the city. Photo: Michelle Kroll.
Wagga Wagga City Council will soon release its draft Local Housing Strategy (LHS) plan, which will focus on a 70/30 split of new houses being built between greenfield and infill areas.
According to the draft report, for which research began as early as 2022, there will be demand for about 5000 additional dwellings from 2026-2041 in the Wagga LGA.
“Moving towards 2041, Wagga Wagga is anticipated to grow by approximately 9000 people over the 15 years from 2026-2041 to approximately 79,632 people (forecast.id, 2025),” the Wagga Council (WWCC) report reads.
“With an increasing ageing population, decreasing household sizes, and a strong cohort of single and couple households, providing a more diverse housing supply will be critical.
“The Census data on household size and dwelling size indicate a mismatch between the current housing stock and the size of households.
“It [LHS] outlines how the dwellings provided should include a range of typologies (such as detached, attached, and shop-top housing) as well as a range of bedroom configurations (one, two and three+ bedrooms). Critically, it identifies that future housing should be provided in various locations across the LGA, in alignment with a 70/30 split between greenfield and infill development.
“The 70/30 split encourages 70 per cent of new housing development in greenfield areas and 30 per cent of new housing development in infill areas. This split provides a balanced growth scenario for Wagga Wagga and will encourage a step-change in the delivery of dwellings to create a more diverse housing supply.”
The LHS defines greenfield areas as locations such as the Northern Growth Area, the remainder of the northern suburbs, the remainder of Lloyd, and the Southern Growth Area.
The report classifies infill areas as existing local centres, including the Tolland Renewal Area, rural residential areas in the urban fringe, and the Health and Knowledge Precinct.
Makayla Coulls and her partner moved into a new rental in early June after months of searching.
Although the pair are happy with their home, Ms Coulls admitted it was a pain trying to find a place to live.
“There was a mix of factors that made it difficult,” she said.
“Between the price, a lot of young people trying to move out and find their own place, a location we liked and places that would allow us to have our dog, it was really, really painful.
“It’s good that WWCC is looking to build houses, but it needs to consider the struggles residents are having now and not just the 9000 or so that are going to be here in 15 years’ time.”
Should WWCC councillors endorse the draft plan at next week’s council meeting, the Wagga Wagga Local Housing Strategy and Draft Interim Affordable Housing Paper will be placed on public exhibition for a period of 28 days from 30 June and invite public submissions until 1 August.
