It follows a call to bring Forest Hill into the city’s urban area in a bid to improve the city’s eastern gateway.

Former Wagga councillor and fifth generation Gumly resident Donna Argus said there needed to be place for Gumly and Forest Hill in council’s future vision.

“It’s an argument we’ve been having for a long time,” she said.

Mrs Argus said there was little consideration for Gumly and Forest Hill while other communities including Ladysmith, Uranqunity and Collingullie featured in council’s plans.

While she raised the issue as a councillor, Mrs Argus said the community would often find itself looking after itself, but was dis-empowered by decisions made by council.

“There needs to be a plan to either make (the area) an entrance or an industrial zone,” she said.

“We have our view of what Gumly is, but the decision makers have their own view.

“One thing every council can always improve on, is consulting with their community,” Mrs Argus said.

Wagga Business Chamber president Tim Rose called for the city to have a clearer plan for the city’s gateways.

Mr Rose said entries via road into the city were often disjointed in their appearance and believed the city’s eastern approach could use some improvement.

“The city suffers from not really having a decent entry any where,” Mr Rose said.

“Even from the western side, you arrive at Barbecues Galore after skirting past Ashmont.”

Mr Rose said a plan could be a way to encourage people to stop.

He said while people appreciated the quality of the city’s suburbs or the view of the Murrumbidgee or Lake Albert, they were not obvious to traffic passing through.

“If they stop and look around, they’re amazed, but there’s nothing which particularly encourages or welcomes people to stay,” he said.

“We’re not creating a good first impression.

“There needs to be a more cohesive plan to provide improvements and encourage people to stay, because we know that when they do stay, they’re impressed.”