The final piece of the Bomen freight hub funding puzzle fell into place on Saturday, cementing the biggest driver of the Wagga economy for a generation.
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After five years of planning Wagga MP Daryl Maguire opened the state’s chequebook, committing $13.2 million worth of roads and bridges to shore up the proposed Riverina Intermodal Freight and Logistics (RIFL) Hub and unshackle the Bomen Business Park.
It comes after a campaign by The Daily Advertiser urging Premier Baird to round out $14.5 millon from the federal government and $30m from council to upgrade the road and rail network in the city’s industrial zone.
The RIFL Hub has been described by former Riverina MP Kay Hull as “absolutely essential” to the city’s economic future, Mayor Rod Kendall claimed it will boost Wagga’s population by 40,000 and Committee 4 Wagga CEO Chris Fitzpatrick dubbed it the biggest boost for the local economy since Teys came to town.
Mr Maguire’s announcement included $8.3 million to connect Burns Road with the Olympic Highway and $4.9m to replace the Eunony Bridge.
“This will cement the economic future and well-being of the city and region,” Mr Maguire said.
“This is the connection that will allow the proposed intermodal terminal to proceed and companies like Riverina Oils and Bio Energy to commence expansion.
“This will attract more business and allow existing businesses to harness new infrastructure.
“Funding like this hasn’t been invested in regional NSW since after the war.”
The state funding will also replace the Bomen level crossing with an underpass, which was recommended by the coroner 15 years ago during the inquest of a fatal truck collision with the XPT train.
Riverina MP Michael McCormack said the state’s food bowl will begin to realise the full effect of free trade agreements with Asia.
“The Riverina is renowned for freshest, best, cleanest food and the ability to get it to port quicker and access Asian markets faster is critical,” he said.
“Produce will get to port quicker and open up trade with South Korea, Japan and China like never before.”
C4W’s Chris Fitzpatrick “can’t wait” to see rapid progress at Bomen now all three tiers of government have honoured their rhetoric with real spending.
“The concept for the intermodal terminal was planned in 2011, now in 2016 we have the final cash injection,” Mr Fitzpatrick said.
Now that the government has fully funded the “enabling works”, all eyes turn to council’s commercial ally in the RIFL Hub – Genesse and Wyoming Australia – for an official commitment to the project.
