Fury over southern bypass proposed for Lake Albert’s outskirts

Council’s latest draft of the controversial Integrated Transport Strategy (ITS) includes a plan to preserve a southern corridor of Wagga for a heavy vehicle thoroughfare.

Springvale, Gregadoo and Uranquinty residents have vowed to fight the suggested route, which could potentially see a highway run through their backyards. 

Jim Simpson, who has lived on his family’s Gregadoo farm his entire life, believes properties and livelihoods will be “split in half” if the southern bypass comes to fruition. 

“We’ll have trucks changing gears, using heavy breaks and disturbing an otherwise peaceful and tranquil area,” he said.

“The proposed track runs through at least nine properties – including my own – and that would have a devastating impact on families.

“I know one man whose living room it would run through.”

He was critical of Committee 4 Wagga, the group that initially put the proposed route forward. 

“You can’t do something like this without consulting the people it will affect,” Mr Simpson said.

“This has the potential to drive people out of town.”

The northern routes proposed for a Wagga bypass have been stifled by revelations the Eunony Bridge would need a multi-million dollar upgrade to withstand the increased traffic. 

A Springvale landowner – who requested anonymity – said he would leave the city if the southern bypass was locked-in. 

“I wouldn’t be sticking around if they went with that route,” he said.

“My property would be cut in two and the value of my land would plummet.

“There’d be an exodus over this side of town.”

More than 1000 trucks travelling between Adelaide and Sydney drive through the middle of Wagga every day, according to official figures.

The number sparked concerns that the heightened heavy vehicle traffic was an “accident waiting to happen”. 

Wagga City Council acting general manager Robert Knight urged residents that an official route is yet to be determined. 

“A number of residents have contacted council in the past week and I would like to alleviate their concerns,” he said. 

“No route has been determined.

“The RMS is currently completing an investigation incorporating a strategic assessment of the need and viability of a possible alternate freight route.

“The proposed route has been put forward by Committee 4 Wagga, which would be considered during future investigations.”