A master plan is underway to improve linkages between the public, private and allied health specialists within the medical precinct, but there are concerns this will cause a further strain on road infrastructure.
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The NSW government's Riverina-Murray Plan 2036 and Wagga City Council's Integrated Transport Strategy identified the need for a blueprint within the health precinct and to leverage from the investment at the hospital.
City strategy manager Tristan Kell said council has partnered with the Department of Planning and an architectural firm is in the process of finalising a draft plan for the health precinct.
"The health precinct master plan considers a range of different options including increasing densities within the precinct and improving collaboration between public and private health services," Mr Kell said.
"There is a mix of zonings within the health precinct with a range of controls and hospitals do not have height and floor space ratio controls.
"It is unlikely to have any higher buildings within the precinct due to the helicopter flight path to and from Wagga Base Hospital."
Mr Kell said Wagga residents benefit from having the health precinct in a relatively small area.
"Concentrating health-related services within the core of the precinct can increase the amount of services and improve their amenity and accessibility for our community and the surrounding region," he said.
Council is developing this plan in conjunction with key stakeholders within the precinct and the draft master plan will be placed on public exhibition.
Committee 4 Wagga CEO Alan Johnston identified traffic congestion as a pivotal issue that needs to be dealt with immediately.
"Certainly the Bourke and Docker Street arterial will need attention because the flow is already disrupted and further development will put pressure on it, so we can't sit back and wait," Mr Johnston said.
"Both the health precinct master plan and transport plan have addressed implications for not just Sturt Highway, but arterial roads at Dobney Avenue and Bourke Street.
"The timing is opportune for both of these projects to come together and get a solution that works for everyone as demand increases."
Mr Johnston said as the population grows, road congestion will continue to escalate in areas, including the Gobbagombalin Bridge, Dobney Avenue and along Hammond Avenue/Edward Street.
"During the consultation with council a lot of issues were brought up and we believe, potentially the showgrounds could be taken into consideration for what the health precinct could look like," he said.
"This is a different dynamic and would be a longer term project but would lead itself to opportunities. It's just a matter of time."
