Wagga’s wettest ever September, compounded by record rainfall throughout winter, ravaged council’s sprawling 2,119 kilometre road network. 

Months of relentless rain exposed substandard road-base materials laid on yellow clay – which soaks up water and causes the roads to move – as well as latent damage caused by urban salinity.

Former council general manager Brian Andrews urged councillors to “press very heavily” on Wagga MP Daryl Maguire to ensure the city is granted emergency funding.

“Within the city roads are atrocious and a little further out the surfaces are torn to pieces, but it’s worth bearing in mind road users aren’t necessarily all local ratepayers,” Mr Andrews said.

“Wagga City Council’s local government area is larger than the Australian Capital Territory, so there certainly needs to be state government assistance.

“The squeaky wheel gets the oil and if we don't make a big noise we won't be considered.

“It will then be up to the local member (Mr Maguire) to put our case forward in very strong terms.”

Wagga mayor Greg Conkey promised road repairs will begin “once the ground dries out”, but former Wagga MP Joe Schipp says emergency funding won’t be forthcoming until council submits a comprehensive assessment and valuation of the damage. 

“I would be amazed if council doesn’t get adequate funding for repairs from the state government, but a lot of the roads haven't yet been assessed,” Mr Schipp said.

“I'm not sure if stamping feet or jumping up and down will make much difference; council simply needs to put its hand up with an amount and a repair program.”

Wagga MP Daryl Maguire echoed Mr Schipp’s comments last month, when he urged Wagga council to “appraise the damage” before negotiating funding.