CEO's Message

This has been a year of action, backed by community input, clear direction and significant investment.

Through strong planning, advocacy and delivery, we’ve taken major steps to future-proof our infrastructure, support our growing population, and protect the lifestyle and environment that make Albury unique.

Planning for Albury’s future
Growth demands preparation. That’s why we’ve focused on laying the foundations for long-term infrastructure and service delivery. Through the adoption of several key strategic plans, we’re now working to ensure Albury is ready - not just for the next few years, but for the next 30, guided by a unifying commitment: Securing Albury’s Future – Together.

• Our draft Water and Wastewater Master Plans, currently on exhibition, map out a $400 million investment to upgrade essential networks, including acquisition of land in Albury’s north for a new treatment facility.
• The draft Social Infrastructure Strategy provides a roadmap for improving access to community hubs, open space and services as our population expands.
• An updated Thurgoona Wirlinga Precinct Structure Plan guides growth across 4,590 hectares, preparing for up to 50,000 additional residents by 2060.
• Our broader suite of precinct planning and growth area modelling will help guide nearly $1 billion in infrastructure investment over the coming decades.

Delivering infrastructure that matters
In 2024–25, Council adopted a $190 million budget - including $65 million for capital works. We advanced or completed a range of major infrastructure projects that support community use, boost economic activity and enhance public amenity.

Highlights since July 2024 include:

• Lauren Jackson Sports Centre Stage 1 upgrade: $15.2 million to expand the city’s key indoor sports and events venue.
• Albury Entertainment Centre convention wing redevelopment: Backed by $25 million in state and federal funding, now progressing through detailed design.
• Fredericks Park upgrade: $4.3 million to revitalise a key urban park with improved play, seating and landscape features.
• Wonga Wetlands Visitor Education and Experience Centre: $6 million to boost environmental education and eco-tourism.
• WWII Memorial Bowl: $2 million to preserve and enhance this important memorial site.
• Airport taxiway extensions: extending Taxiways Charlie and Alpha to improve efficiency and safety at Albury Airport.
• Main Sewer Pump Station upgrade: $4.9 million contract awarded for design and construction supervision to enhance capacity and reliability.

A major focus has also been the Thurgoona Link Road, a critical piece of strategic infrastructure to support the city’s fastest-growing precinct, to be delivered over 5 stages with environmental approvals and the detailed design of the project currently underway.

Looking ahead, Council will consider on 23 June the proposed 2025–26 Budget to include $256 million in total investment, with $81 million allocated to infrastructure delivery, indicating a continued commitment to city-shaping projects.

Community engagement and governance
The September 2024 local government elections ushered in a new Council, with Mayor Kevin Mack and Deputy Mayor Jessica Kellahan being elected to leadership roles. Councillor and community input continues to shape our policies and initiatives.

Community engagement has been pivotal in refining projects such as the redevelopment of the Lavington Swim Centre, the future planning of growth areas, and budgetary priorities to enable delivery of our financial sustainability improvement plan and service reviews. Feedback mechanisms, including surveys and public exhibitions, have ensured our plans are reflective of community aspirations.

Advocating for what our region deserves
Healthcare remains one of the most critical issues facing our region. While the NSW and Victorian Governments have committed $558 million to redevelop Albury Base Hospital, we have made it clear this is not enough. A staged, on-site expansion of services will not meet our region’s future healthcare needs.

That’s why we’ve worked with 12 other councils, our health professionals, and community members to make the case for a new, fully-funded single-site hospital.

A new hospital is not just a health investment, it’s what our growing region needs and deserves.

Environmental and recreational initiatives
We have continued to prioritise environmental sustainability and recreational opportunities, including:

• Australia Park improvements: Community feedback has refined designs to enhance accessibility and amenities.
• Noreuil Park redevelopment: Further community engagement will ensure plans align with public expectations.
• Soft plastics recycling trial: An expansion of the successful program reflects our commitment to innovative waste management solutions.

Looking ahead with confidence
As we close this financial year, we do so with momentum.

We will continue to deliver high-impact infrastructure. We will keep advocating for services that match our community’s needs. And we will continue to plan with clarity and long-term discipline.

Thank you to everyone - residents, businesses, Councillors, volunteers and especially our dedicated AlburyCity team, who’ve contributed to this year of progress.

Together, we are building a stronger, more connected and nationally significant regional city.