We have reviewed the Thurgoona Wirlinga Structure Plan 2013 to ensure the area is well-prepared for future growth.

Thurgoona Wirlinga was identified as a key growth area in the late 1970s. Its population has almost doubled in the past 10 years from 6,500 to 11,300 and is expected to increase to 50,000 people by 2060. To ensure this significant growth and change is catered for over the next 30 to 40 years, we have made some changes to the 2013 Structure Plan.

The changes have been informed by your feedback on the discussion paper, and background investigations including environmental investigations.

The revised Structure Plan provides a coherent vision for the future, outlining the intended land uses, urban design principles, infrastructure requirements and environmental considerations. It serves as a vital tool for planners, policymakers, developers and the community by setting out a clear roadmap for sustainable development.

While the principles and directions remain relevant and unchanged from the 2013 plan, the revised Structure Plan strengthens the focus on biodiversity and other environmental considerations.

It has also focused on actions to implement the plan including future rezonings and upgrading infrastructure.

Slide the arrows left and right to compare the original 2013 plan (left) with the revised 2025 Structure Plan (right).

Key changes from the 2013 Structure Plan

• Revised locations for planned shops and centres (Major Neighbourhood Centres and Village Centres)

• Revised locations for planned sportsgrounds and parks

• Some revised locations for roads and schools

• More defined areas of medium-density residential areas around centres

• More defined transition from urban residential areas to low-density and large lot residential areas on the eastern and southern precinct boundaries

• Adjusted land uses in key areas of biodiversity value (eg. significantly vegetated area near Bells Travelling Stock Reserve)

• Inclusion of drainage basin locations (as per the 2020 Drainage Strategy)

• Introduces a pocket of urban services land use (E3 Productivity Support zone) at the northern boundary of the Defence landholding

• Revises the proposed staging map to assist in an orderly and coordinated approach to development and align with the Water and Wastewater Master Plans

• Increased focus on implementation with an Action Plan outlining next steps such as completing land rezoning processes, planning amendments, additional studies.

Interactive map

Explore the future of Thurgoona Wirlinga through this interactive map, which outlines the revised Structure Plan for the area. Use the map to navigate key features, view proposed land uses and compare the draft Structure Plan to the 2013 Structure Plan.

Tips for using the map

• Use the + and - buttons in the top left of the screen to zoom in and out of the map.
• The key on the right-hand side of the screen shows what the colours and lines represent on the map.
• Turn sections off and on by clicking on the Layers button in the bottom right-hand corner of the screen.
• You can compare to the 2013 Structure Plan by clicking on the layer titled 2013 Structure Plan in the Layers list.
• You can see a full-sized version of the map by clicking here.

Note: Structure Plan maps are broad and approximate only. Refinement occurs in subsequent processes such as land rezoning, site master plans, subdivision applications or detailed design phases. Review the revised draft Structure Plan report for further information.

We have heard strong community concern relating to congestion at peak times, particularly around Thurgoona Dr interchange. We continue to advocate to Transport for NSW for improvements and you can find out more here. We are also advocating to Transport for NSW for intersection upgrades along the Riverina Highway particularly the intersections with Elizabeth Mitchell Drive, Table Top Rd and Kerr Rd.

The Structure Plan identifies key intersection upgrades and additional linking roads for further investigation and staged delivery, noting this crosses over with several state government roads.

The Thurgoona Link Road was identified in the 2013 Structure Plan. This new road will improve traffic distribution across the network and reduce congestion by connecting Kerr Rd, Table Top Rd, Elizabeth Mitchell Dr and the Hume Highway (at Davey Rd). This project is subject to a Federal Government approval process related to assessing environmental impacts. Find out more about the link road here.

Find more about our Sustainable transport networks here.

Thurgoona Wirlinga has a current population of 13,154 (ABS ERP, 2024)and is expected to experience ongoing growth of 600 to 1,000 people per year.

Within the Thurgoona Wirlinga area, there is enough zoned land for a population of 50,000 people over the next 40 years

The revised Structure Plan reaffirms increased housing densities around planned centres to support opportunities for more housing choice.

Planning provisions such as minimum density controls will be implemented via amendments to the Local Environmental Plan and Development Control Plan.

The Structure Plan shows indicative locations for more schools in the future including a public high school, which would be delivered by the NSW Government.

A site on Kerr Rd (PS2) has been announced for a new public primary school and preschool with School Infrastructure NSW liaising with AlburyCity as they progress the design and planning assessment phase. Enrolments are anticipated from 2027.

Commercial developments are on land owned and delivered by the private sector. The revised Structure Plan proposes some changes to the planned centre locations (Major Neighbourhood Centres and Village Centres).

The changes have confirmed a retail hierarchy which acknowledges the need to cater for a variety of commercial and retail activities within the catchment. The location, size and scale of the areas set aside for these uses are shown as either Neighbourhood or Village Centres.

The revised Structure Plan proposes to enhance the Garden City legacy of Thurgoona with a focus on nature and green corridors.

The Structure Plan follows a natured-based framework - protecting, connecting and restoring the environment. It has been informed by a high-level Biodiversity Assessment. This includes protection for the Sloane's Froglet, which was not identified at the time of the 2013 plan.

There is also a stronger focus on recognising and respecting Aboriginal cultural heritage, including support for the Connecting with Country Framework. This involves encouraging collaboration with local Aboriginal stakeholders - particularly in the design of key open spaces such as District Parks- and incorporating Wiradjuri language and cultural references when naming new streets and public spaces.

The revised Structure Plan incorporates the location and size of drainage basins as outlined in the Thurgoona Wirlinga Drainage Strategy (2020) with some minor adjustment of basin shapes considering the surrounding context. Further refinement will occur in site-specific planning and detailed stormwater design. A comprehensive review of the Eight Mile Creek flood study is being undertaken that will inform a subsequent Planning Proposal (rezoning process).

The revised Structure Plan has increased the overall quantum of open space compared to the 2013 Structure Plan.

The review has also revised the locations of parks and sports grounds to respond to site constraints, distribution and walkability of open space as well as creating well connected and multipurpose recreational precincts.

Future detailed design phases will explore uses of the open spaces including playgrounds, dog parks and reserves.

The proposal for a new aquatic facility is retained as indicated in the 2013 Structure Plan.

The revised Structure Plan maintains the same provision as the 2013 Structure Plan, with three new local community centres and one new district community centre.

The community centres are proposed to be co-located with urban centres and parks to ensure maximum accessibility and reinforce the role of centres in creating civic pride and a strong sense of place.

The Structure Plan includes new parks and the review identified the amount of open space in the 2013 Structure Plan remains relevant.

The review considered the locations of parks and sports grounds to respond to site constraints, distribution and walkability of open space as well as creating well connected and multipurpose precincts.

Future detailed design phases will explore planned uses of the open spaces including playgrounds, dog parks and reserves.

The proposal for a new aquatic facility is retained as was previously indicated in the 2013 plan within the proposed District Sports Ground. Consultation undertaken to inform the development of the draft Social Infrastructure Strategy indicates there is strong community support for swimming pool or splash park facilities.