Wagga might have turned political history on its head but the new-found competitiveness will probably benefit the city.
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That’s according to Wagga mayor Greg Conkey and Committee 4 Wagga chief executive Alan Johnston, who both see the benefits of Wagga shaking off its ‘safe seat’ status, albeit for different reasons.
In June, the Australian Local Government Association conference in Canberra was given a checklist for successful regional and rural centres – like affordable housing, health facilities, defence force facilities, a daily newspaper, an indoor sporting centre and a marginal electorate.
Cr Conkey said Wagga did well with collecting electoral promises during last month’s byelection, and the Coalition’s attempt to win back the seat in March could deliver more needed infrastructure.
“In the next six months up to March, there is going to be a lot of interest shown in this seat; I know that the conservatives will be trying to get it back,” he said.
“They’ll be here and throwing a lot of money at the electorate as well, they certainly threw a lot of money at us during the byelection.
“I can expect a campaign staring in the next couple of weeks. It’s a long time out but I’m sure that’s what is going to happen.”
Cr Conkey said new residents, businesses and investors would not be likely to choose Wagga simply because it was now a marginal seat, with health and education opportunities playing a much bigger role.
Labor also brought its ministers, leaders and infrastructure promises to Wagga during the byelection.
Mr Johnston said the most important thing for Wagga’s future was building up its economy by supporting and growing businesses and industries that would provide year-round prosperity.
“The election cycle certainly assists in terms of infrastructure development that is necessary that is necessary for attracting businesses,” he said.
Mr Johnston said Wagga’s increased mentions in TV news bulletins and newspapers in Sydney and Melbourne over the past few months “certainly” could help build the region’s profile with potential new arrivals.
“I won’t go as far as to say ‘all publicity is good publicity’, but the coverage assists with people’s awareness of this part of NSW and Wagga in particular,” he said.
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