Albury Social Infrastructure Strategy
Albury City Council, NSW
Albury City Council is managing a period of significant growth and transformation as the city evolves as a major regional centre on the NSW-Victoria border. With population growth, changing demographics and increasing demand for community facilities, Council recognised the need for a long-term, coordinated approach to social infrastructure planning
CRED Consulting was engaged to develop the Albury Social Infrastructure Strategy (the Strategy) – a 20-year framework to guide the planning, delivery and management of community facilities, services and open space across the city to 2060.
Underpinned by four key principles – Co-located, Connected, Multifunctional and Equitable – which will guide decisions about future investment – the Strategy provides an evidence-based approach to ensure facilities are delivered in the right place, at the right time, to meet the needs of the community.
HOW WE DID IT
CRED designed and delivered a strategic, place-based process that combined research, analysis and engagement to understand current provision, future demand and local priorities.
We delivered:
- Evidence-based research, including analysis of forecast population growth and demographic change, and a review of relevant national, state and local strategies influencing social infrastructure planning.
- Best-practice research and benchmarking, drawing on precedents from comparable regional and growth communities to inform a contemporary approach.
- A citywide audit and spatial mapping of existing social infrastructure and open spaces to assess access, distribution and performance.
- Benchmarking and gap analysis to identify current and future shortfalls in social infrastructure provision.
- Targeted community and stakeholder consultation with over 130 stakeholders to understand local needs, values and aspirations incusing a survey, drop-in sessions, focus groups and in-depth interviews.
OUTCOMES
The Albury Social Infrastructure Strategy was formally adopted by Council, providing a long-term plan to guide investment in community facilities and open space as the city grows.
The Strategy:
- Establishes a clear, consistent framework for planning social infrastructure across existing and future communities.
- Supports coordinated delivery of facilities in high-growth areas, particularly Thurgoona–Wirlinga the city’s largest expansion precinct with a projected population of about 50,000 by 2060–70.
- Strengthens Council’s ability to prioritise funding, advocate for investment and partner with other levels of government.
- Ensures social infrastructure is planned early – helping to create connected, healthy and inclusive communities.
Read the Albury Social Infrastructure Strategy here.
