A collaboration between Business NSW, Wagga Wagga Business Chamber, and Wagga Wagga City Council, has put the 24-hour economy and activation of the CBD on the agenda, ahead of a visit by the 24-hour Economy Commissioner Michael Rodrigues to the city.
The Commissioner's visit, hosted by Business NSW, will include a roundtable on 16 May regarding the 24-Hour Economy Office's remit for expansion to regional NSW.
In preparation for the roundtable discussion, consultation with local CBD businesses will take place, gathering their thoughts on what they believe are the opportunities and challenges for activation in the Wagga Wagga CBD.
This will include consultation sessions and an online survey, coordinated by the Wagga Wagga Business Chamber.
Business NSW Regional Director Serena Hardwick has recently been appointed to the 24-hour Economy Advisory Council as a representative for regional NSW.
"This is a chance to explore the economic opportunities throughout a full 24-hour cycle, not just at night and really consider who the users of our city are and how we are catering for them," Ms Hardwick said.
"We believe that fostering the activation of our CBD and supporting our retail, creative and hospitality sectors is not only critical in increasing the liveability of the city, but also will assist in workforce attraction and retention."
Activation of the CBD has long been on the Wagga Wagga Business Chamber's agenda.
"The Central Activity District (CAD) Committee is a consultation group for the Wagga Wagga Business Chamber, designed to support the activation of the Central Activity District," Chamber Business Manager Sally Manning said.
"Some of the initiatives the group co-ordinates are shop local incentives, extended shopping hours to attract more visitors to the main street and committee members provide valuable insights into current opportunities and challenges of local business."
In the week prior to the Commissioner's visit, Council officers will be visiting businesses in the Wagga Wagga CBD to get their thoughts, ideas and feedback from Monday 12 May to Thursday 15 May.
Wagga Wagga City Council Director Business, Economy and Workforce Fiona Piltz says Council is keen to hear from businesses directly.
"Recognising the current economic pressure businesses are under, our role is to ensure that businesses voices are heard, looking at not only the current challenges, but the opportunities to increase the vibrancy in our CBD." Ms Piltz said.
