The call comes as part of a C4W white paper, released on Monday, that details the key projects that the organisation argues will deliver important social and economic benefits to the region.

The projects relate to the levee bank, the Riverina Intermodal Freight and Logistics Hub, transport infrastructure, Wagga Airport, inland freight rail route, high-speed rail, and smart-city technologies.

CEO of C4W Alan Johnston said the initiative was to ensure that the region obtained the most effective representation to deliver these projects.

“It is essential that all candidates, regardless of their political representation, commit to support and deliver on these essential projects,” Mr Johnston said.

“Much work has been undertaken by all levels of government and community to get us to this point.

“It is now time that these projects, which will have enormous ongoing economic and community benefit for the city, are delivered.

“Unless this commitment is forthcoming, one must ask the question as to whether the city has the most effective representation.”

The white paper states the issues associated with the projects “must be addressed during the current and forthcoming State Government term”.

“This document addresses the need for a strategic and visionary plan for Wagga Wagga’s future and the infrastructure needs of our city towards the year 2030,” it reads.

The white paper in combination with C4W’s 2017 Strategic Plan are informed by two recent State Government publications: 20-year economic vision for regional NSW and Future Transport Strategy 2056.

The document has been sent to four of the six candidates so far: Julia Ham, Paul Funnell, Daniel Hayes and Dr Joe McGirr.

C4W said it would communicate with Ray Goodlass and Seb McDonagh once their contacts become available.

Dr McGirr, who announced his candidacy on Sunday, said the list was “a sensible set of projects for Wagga”.

“This byelection would help leverage the assistance of the NSW Government,” Dr McGirr said.

“With the election creating so much interest at all government levels, we have a good opportunity to push these projects forward.”

He said he would add another issue to the list.

“The only idea I’d add is the development of the health precinct,” Dr McGirr said.

“Health is a big employer and big money earner and attracting workers into this city would be beneficial.”

Dr McGirr also cited the $4.2 billion sale of the Snowy Hydro, saying “those funds are an opportunity for the Riverina and other surrounding regions”.

Liberal candidate Julia Ham said she welcomed and encouraged members of the community to approach her to raise matters that are important to them.

Other candidates have been contacted for comments.

Wagga mayor Greg Conkey said the number of candidates vying for the Wagga seat showed that interest was strong.

“That’s a good field for this great city,” Cr Conkey said.

“As mayor, I look forward to working very closely with the new member on those matters.”

In relation to the seven projects, Cr Conkey said the majority projects were progressing well.

“The levee bank was delayed but it looks like we’ll achieve the completion date [2020],” he said.

“With the high-speed rail, we certainly support the concept, but not under the proposal by CLARA [Consolidated Land and Rail Australia],” he said.

“The proposal is to put a station at Henty – people wouldn’t support that.

“We believe a Wagga or Albury station would be better.”

As for the smart-city technology project, Cr Conkey said “we definitely need to embrace and support that”.

He said further financial commitment was needed for the RiFL Hub, in addition to the $14.5 million already committed by the Federal Government, to ensure it becomes an “economic driver for this city forever”.

The white paper also lists Wagga City Council’s 14 priority projects that require State Government assistance.

Those projects total more than $100 million in funding request.

C4W has provided candidates until August 30 to provide their responses about their commitment to the projects.

Byelection white paper by Committee 4 Wagga