Wagga Wagga City Council will move forward with planning for the submission of a development application to provide temporary camping at two sporting facilities that would support major events within the city.
At its meeting on Monday 7 July 2025, Council noted the submissions received during the public exhibition of the proposed Temporary Camping Grounds Development Application and endorsed continuing with the planning application process for the Exhibition Centre and Wagga Cricket Ground options only.
Council also agreed to hold a workshop to discuss the development of a draft Temporary Camping Grounds Policy to ensure it covers the broader community concerns.
The original proposal for the establishment of temporary camping grounds at four possible locations – the Exhibition Centre (Equex), Wagga Cricket Ground, Wiradjuri Oval and Riverside Wagga Beach – was publicly exhibited from 26 June to 31 July 2024.
Council's Manager City Growth & Regional Assets Ben Creighton said 112 responses were received from the community during the exhibition period.
"In response to that feedback, we've revised the proposed application to just two locations, Equex and Wagga Cricket Ground," Mr Creighton said.
"The next step will be developing the draft policy.
"It will guide when the temporary campsites would be triggered and how Council would manage issues such as rubbish, security, toilets, damage to the venues, and what happens if it's wet, as opposed to when it's dry.
"Following the development of this policy, a development application will be submitted to allow the proposal to be assessed."
The concept primarily aims to provide overflow accommodation for visitors attending major events such as the NSW Touch Association Junior State Cup Southern Conference Carnival, the Academy Games, and the Gears and Beers Festival.
The cost involved with preparing, maintaining, and restoring the proposed sites will be considered on a case-by-case basis through an event paid or a user paid model, and will be subject to further council reports.
The proposal is not intended to replace existing accommodation options, but rather to serve as a contingency plan that can be implemented when traditional lodging options become fully booked.
