A LOCAL think tank driving positive change in Wagga is searching for a chief executive after its leader resigned from the role four days ago.
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Long-standing community leader Alan Johnston made the decision to step down from Committee 4 Wagga after two years in the top job and nine years as an active member.
"My family ... has to be the priority in the coming months and I cannot do justice to the chief executive role in that period of time. So it was my call to step aside for someone who has the time to put in and take it up," he said.
"I am committed to continuing to assist the executive and the board while they go through the recruiting and I will still be there in the background."
Mr Johnston said his involvement with the not-for-profit organisation has been "encouraging, rewarding and at times very challenging" in their attempts to advocate to three levels of government.
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"We are advocating to all levels of government to increase momentum and commit to developing the city," he said. "It is a long game having to ensure these things actually happen."
In his early years, Mr Johnston said the organisation made "great progress" in seeing lights installed around Lake Albert, establishing a New Year's Eve event and backing a 'share the road' campaign for a safer commute for cars and bike riders.
"It is the first visible thing the community could see in terms of the recognition and growth of active travel, which is moving ahead in leaps and bounds now," he said.
Advocacy for improvements to the city's levee banks became the first priority for the organisation as far as community infrastructure was concerned, he said.
Mr Johnston said public forums and meetings were organised to push all levels of government to recognise the rising demand.
"We're still trying to get to a resolution on that one, to find the best alternative for the North Wagga side and we would like to get that sorted sooner rather than later," he said.
The committee, he said, has been "very-much focused" on the digital space in terms of connectivity and Mr Johnston was pleased to see momentum.
"We are glad to see that coming to fruition albeit not the way the state government designed with the gig-state, but NBN has taken a different path which is good news for the city," he said.
"We have been advocating for digital connectivity and smart city strategy for some years now and it's good to see it being listened to."
Mr Johnston said the Riverina Intermodal Freight Terminal in combination with the Special Activation Precinct will also be huge for the economic development of the city.
"I would like to see that come to fruition to where the general public can see and get a feel for," he said.
Committee 4 Wagga chairwoman Justeen Kirk said Mr Johnston has left big shoes to fill after working closely with all tiers of government and the local business community.
"He has been passionate in the role and leaves our organisation with strong governance, membership engagement and financial stability considering the challenges of 2020," she said.
"He adapted the organisation to the ever-changing operating environment and was the driving force in delivering the Roundtable meetings and connecting with our special guest presenters from around the country."