As one of the fastest-growing regional cities in Victoria, Wodonga is anticipated to reach a population of 54,728 by 2031 and has the capacity to support an ultimate population of 100,000 people. Enhancing the existing liveability and prosperity of the city as it grows and changes are the overarching ideals that represent the distinct identity of the city, and the important role that Wodonga plays as a service centre to the broader region.
Wodonga Council is committed to maintaining a steady supply of quality and affordable land to ensure a high quality of life for residents and to support the economic development of the city. It is understood that Wodonga Council has inherited a legacy of past involvement and influence of the Albury Wodonga Development Corporation (AWDC). While many of the initiatives of the AWDC were positive in terms of influence on the structure of the city, the impacts of divestment are significant.
Following divestment of the former AWDC land, the city is now managing multiple active development fronts (Refer to Wodonga Growth Strategy for details) and dealing with the implications of the transition of historical delivery and pricing of land supply by the AWDC to current delivery and pricing of land supply by the private sector.
The Land Development Trends reflects the impact of this and provides a tool to continue to measure this legacy.
In terms of strategic initiatives that have the capacity to shape the city and to respond to the vision set out in the MSS, the council has adopted a proactive approach with respect to managing the development fronts by developing a whole of city growth strategy and planning for significant longterm growth in the Leneva-Baranduda growth corridor.
The Wodonga Growth Strategy has the capacity to positively shape the future of Wodonga, unlock and co-ordinate development outcomes and assist in identification and delivery of key infrastructure priorities. In the context of Wodonga's various growth fronts, the growth strategy provides direction and clarity across the various council functions and provides a strategic basis for decision-making regarding the provision of key infrastructure.