Key strategic documents that will shape Albury’s growth and guide almost $1 billion in infrastructure investment over the next 30 years are now open for community feedback.
The draft Albury Water Infrastructure Master Plan, draft Albury Wastewater Infrastructure Master Plan, draft Social Infrastructure Strategy and the revised Thurgoona Wirlinga Precinct Structure Plan take a long-term, co-ordinated approach to managing growth, enhancing infrastructure and maintaining a strong sense of community wellbeing — key elements in securing Albury’s future together.
Albury Mayor Kevin Mack said the documents set a blueprint for the future, ensuring the city’s infrastructure keeps pace with growth, demand and changing community needs, while balancing the natural and built environments.
"Albury is a rapidly growing city, with the Thurgoona Wirlinga area accounting for more than half of that growth each year, and the revised Precinct Structure Plan will guide how that community takes shape," Mayor Mack said.
"Together with the master plans and Social Infrastructure Strategy, these documents lay a strong foundation to support the city’s growth in a co-ordinated and sustainable way.
"This planning ensures high-quality community facilities, open spaces and infrastructure are available in all our neighbourhoods to strengthen health and wellbeing, create connected neighbourhoods and promote a sense of belonging.
“The upgrade and expansion of our water and sewer networks represent a significant investment in Albury's future with almost $400 million in works to be completed by 2040.
“Works and planning have also commenced for the infrastructure required in Thurgoona Wirlinga’s developing areas.”
Funding for the infrastructure projects will be drawn from new and existing rate revenue, water and wastewater charges, developer contributions, potential borrowings and government grants.
The draft water and wastewater master plans outline the infrastructure required to meet the city’s long-term needs. They also align with the recent acquisition of land in Albury’s north for a new wastewater treatment facility to help ease pressure on ageing infrastructure, improve operational efficiency and support further growth in the Thurgoona Wirlinga area.
The draft Social Infrastructure Strategy provides a long-term approach to the prioritisation, investment and management of community facilities and open spaces. It aims to ensure new and existing residents have equitable access to high-quality parks, community centres and cultural facilities.
First developed in 2013, the Thurgoona Wirlinga Precinct Structure Plan has been updated to reflect changes and opportunities from the past decade. It continues to serve as a blueprint for how the precinct will develop, informing infrastructure delivery, subdivision layouts and planning decisions.
Following extensive community consultation, Council has endorsed these strategic documents for public exhibition, giving residents another opportunity to have their say and be part of securing Albury’s future together.
The community is invited to view and provide feedback by visiting Council’s Engaging Albury platform.
Printed copies are also available at Albury City Council (Kiewa Street), Albury LibraryMuseum, Lavington Library and Thurgoona Community Centre.
Council will also host a series of opportunities to chat with us in person. Dates and locations are available on the Engaging Albury website.