We all know Wodonga is the place to be, but did you know the rest of Australia has realised it too?
Last year, the Wodonga Council Statutory Planning team experienced a 256 per cent growth in the annual estimated value of buildings and works they assessed.
Team Leader Statutory Planning Lou Hawkins said in 2021, the estimated value of works assessed by the team was more than $300 million – up from $84 million in 2020.
“This is really exciting for the city because it means stat planning received an unprecedented number of planning permits for new use and development – from little agricultural sheds, to new shops, cafes, apartments and major manufacturing facilities, large subdivisions and even a hydrogen plant,” she said.
“The various COVID economic stimuli and the great migration out of cities throughout COVID has led to a building boom in regional Victoria.
“The increase has also happened because Economic Development have done an amazing job of attracting new industries and commercial and industrial development to Wodonga.”
The Statutory Planning team has also received positive feedback from developers who say Wodonga is an excellent council to deal with – which makes the city a more attractive place to develop.
“The increase in work last year was exceptional, but our team’s commitment and the quality of their work was equally exceptional,” Lou says.
“We don’t run our own projects generally so it is hard to brag about our big wins, but this was one of them.”
Lou says the team facilitated high quality development and maintained an amazing level of responsiveness and customer service through an incredibly disruptive time.
“Our manager Simon Maughan, and team members Kath Oswald, Shannon O’Brien, Steve Hawkins, Kirsten Pickering, Seraya McInerney and Jasmine Jackson all deserve a round of applause!,” Lou says.
“Kirsten, our new statutory planner, has been with us for one month and is really kicking goals. We would encourage anyone who hasn’t met her yet to pop over and say hello.
Not satisfied with a 256 per cent growth, Lou is now heading over to Economic Development to further drive growth in Wodonga as Acting Manager Economic Development.
Lou’s love for Wodonga began when she arrived as a private consultant for a six-week contract and “loved the culture and the organisation so much” that she stayed!
“I think the people in the planning and building teams are passionate and enthusiastic. The organisation really supports professional growth and development, which is very empowering,” she says.
“We are a great regional city, and only a stone’s throw away from the most amazing natural attractions like the Australian Alps, the Murray River, great wineries and historic towns. It’s a great place to live.”
