GENERAL FINDINGS AND CONCLUSIONS
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General Findings and Conclusions The general finding of this phase in preparation of the Wodonga Growth Strategy is that there is uncertainty in the current growth areas framework and that the city is in need of a strategy that encapsulates and clearly articulates the city”s position with regard to a number of contemporary growth area issues. Having acknowledged the need for the strategy, it is evident from the findings of this report that the city is very well placed to pursue preparation of a growth strategy that will make a significant contribution to planning and development outcomes within the city. The city is well placed to prepare and implement the growth strategy having regard to: ¡¡ ¡¡ ¡¡ ¡¡ ¡¡ ¡¡ ¡¡
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Projected growth rates; The breadth of strategies and other investigations that have been conducted to date; General acceptance of the preferred direction of growth into the Leneva Valley; Potential short term rezoning of land in the Leneva Valley to the Urban Growth Zone; Recent release of higher order strategic investigations for the broader region; General acceptance of the role of the city as a growth area; Recent confirmation of the State Government intention to introduce a new development contributions system involving use of standard development contributions for regional areas; Lack of any significant servicing constraints; A well developed range of community services and facilities; The presence of the WREN network (NVPP); Existing ownership of the Baranduda Fields site; A well developed town centre with capacity for further development; and, An active land development sector.
Having regard to these and other strategic advantages, preparation of the Wodonga Growth Strategy offers a very significant opportunity to define preferred outcomes, to implement key infrastructure priorities with confidence and to demonstrate leadership in the development of the city.