STATE MP Daryl Maguire has lashed Wagga City Council during an uncharacteristic tirade over the city’s drawn out levee bank upgrades.
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A frustrated Mr Maguire on Friday accused Labor-orientated councillors of ignoring Wagga’s major issues, instead opting to “play games and point-score” with the state government.
He believes they should be focusing on roads, rates and rubbish.
“We’ve given them the money and they need to get on with it (levee upgrades) – what are they doing?” Mr Maguire said last week.
“They’re sitting on their hands doing nothing while residents are exposed and paying high insurance premiums.
“We gave them $6 million and we’ve seen nothing from it.
“It’s pathetic if you ask me.”
Speaking to The Daily Advertiser on Tuesday, Wagga’s MP implored council to be upfront with the status of levee bank upgrades.
“The public deserve to know exactly where this is at,” he said.
“A devastating flood event can be just around the corner.”
It comes 13 months after Mr Maguire, Riverina MP Michael McCormack and Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce pledged $10 million for the vital project.
Residents will reportedly be forced to wait another three years until the levee bank is completed, exposing them to flooding risks and rapidly-climbing insurance rates.
“My premiums have increased fourfold since the floods,” North Wagga’s Jason Dunn said.
“I’m thankful our local member is applying the pressure because this is something Wagga needs – very urgently,” Mr Dunn said.
“Hopefully the more pressure that is applied, the better the outcome.”
Council is still in discussions with potential tenders for the project, according to mayor Greg Conkey.
He is hopeful construction will begin in spring.
Commercial operations manager Caroline Angel indicated a timeline would become clear later this year.