A GRAND vision to boost the city's population has triggered a mixed response from the leaders of the towns and villages surrounding Wagga.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Junee Shire Council's mayor Neil Smith has no doubts that Wagga's predicted growth to 100,000 residents could have favourable effects on the broader region.
The idea has been supported by the state government's 20-year economic vision for regional NSW, which was released in July last year.
Cr Smith expects the employment opportunities planned for the regional city will be of great value to the residents of Junee, who only have a 37 kilometre commute.
The development of the special activation precinct and the $1 billion TransGrid project linking Wagga to South Australia with transmission lines will be calling for an influx of workers.
As the population swells health workers will be in high demand and a variety of trades will be vital to attract new businesses to the area.
"We can chase our tails and provide employment options, but we have Wagga down the road," Cr Smith said.
"Bomen is going to provide employment (for Junee residents) without (the council) needing to invest money into the expansion of that area."
Cr Smith said Junee's population will likely grow alongside Wagga with plenty of livable and cheap housing and land options available. However he has concerns about the town losing sight of what makes Junee a unique place to live.
"A lot of places will see development as essential at any cost," he said.
On the other hand, Uranquinty Progress Association president Deb Bewick has concerns the town might be "forgotten" about as the city's leaders' pursue its grand vision.
While residents of the rural village have no interest in growing its population, she said the community still wants the council to provide funds to upgrade its infrastructure.
"Our residents make their contribution through rates and we need the council to continue its maintenance," she said.
"We want the money that we pay in rates to be funnelled back into our community."