Mayor Rod Kendall officially opened stage one of the Wagga Beach Landscape Upgrade on Friday night as part of wider works across the riverside precinct. 

A partnership between council and Primary Industries, the works include new furniture, barbecue shelters, improved access to the river, improved path network and changes to the parking area.

The opening coincided with the highly successful Cork and Fork Festival on Friday night, which saw thousands converge on the beach.

“The project was basically a total revamp of the area,” Cr Kendall said. “I think the success of the Cork and Fork Festival just goes to show the great venue it now is.”

The upgrade has accommodated for events, festivals and celebrations, with the installation of power outlets, new toilets, car park upgrade and basketball court.

The city’s official Australia Day celebrations will also be held at Wagga Beach next year.

“It will be another destination park, another event place,” Cr Kendall said.

The nine-month project is the first phase of a complete upgrade of the entire precinct, with the second stage to begin when Wagga Beach Caravan Park’s lease expires in 2019.

Cr Kendall hopes the project will inject tourist dollars into the economy.

“People visiting the city for others reasons might (now) find reason to stay in the city another day,” he said.

“Everyday extra stayed is an extra dollar in town.”