Next is attracting business, talent and investment and business proposals - an example could be new tourism operators.
The education priority looks at workforce availability and capability, attracting international students, and enhancing and expanding UCOL and other providers.
Communication and marketing is another target, specifically aimed at making Wanganui a place to "live, work, invest and play".
Then comes regional engagement which will see council able to respond or kick-start regional projects while working to improve regional co-operation.
Another priority is fostering economic relationships with Maori, with an aim of achieving "mutually beneficial" social and economic outcomes.
Infrastructure is another priority - without it any hopes of economic growth will struggle.
The eighth priority is bundled under the title of arts/culture/sport/community development. The strategy says social and cultural life is a key to attracting people, including tourists and new residents.
This latest plan used its 2012 economic development strategy as a base, and aims to strengthen partnerships and collaboration, and develop the infrastructure which gives it a springboard to attract investment, talent and business to Wanganui. And key to that is making it easier to be innovative.
All of this is linked to council's "leading edge" strategy and its 10-year plan.
That is the road map. Getting there is the issue.
The strategy accepts that while Wanganui is blessed with unique strengths - think of the river, heritage buildings, lifestyle, the temperate climate - like many regional communities it faces the effects of an ageing population and lack of employment opportunities for young people.
So what are the weaknesses?
"Whanganui is considered to be 'off the beaten track' by some, and that isn't helped that regular and direct air services from Wellington and Auckland have either been reduced or changed.
Infrastructure at the port is inadequate and needs significant development and, as the city is home to 11 per cent of the country's heritage buildings, those buildings require higher-than-average expenditure to bring them up to earthquake-strength standards.
Wanganui has a limited number of "market-ready" international tourism products and does not have any four-star or five-star hotel accommodation, while businesses feel communication from the council, as well as Whanganui and Partners, is inadequate.
The report says tourism potential is not helped by signage that is either poor or non-existent in key areas. It also says our reputation or perception nationally and globally needs improvement.
So what are our strengths?
The strategy says our very location - including the river, the coast and national park - are natural treasures and can be linked to a temperate climate and one of the highest quality lifestyles in the country.
"Whanganui is becoming a strong and preferred visitor destination, especially for domestic tourists and independent travelling international visitors."
Then there is the Edwardian streetscape, depth of arts and culture, sporting and events facilities, world-leading museum, art gallery and opera house.
The city hosts internationally recognised events such as the Masters Games and Cemetery Circuit motorcycle races, and offers affordable housing.
The report highlights the "great schools and educational experiences", a cost of living significantly less than the major cities and a cost-effective environment for businesses.
It also has an abundance of talent: people who have come from all over the country and the world to live here "many of whom are well travelled and successful".
That outlines Wanganui's strengths and weaknesses. So how does Whanganui and Partners plan to address them?
In part two next Wednesday, we look at what the strategy believes are our opportunities and our threats, and the final part will look at the action plan.
- Your feedback is welcome. Email your comments to: john.maslin@wanganuichronicle.co.nz
