WAGGA City Council anticipates a ‘big year’ of progress towards major infrastructure projects, according to Mayor Greg Conkey.
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A state election in March and a likely federal election in May will also give the council a chance to pitch for more project funding.
Cr Conkey said one of the priorities was more flood protection in North Wagga.
“We’ve got some funds to consult with North Wagga as to what we are planning to do,” he said.
“That gives us a few options; leave it as is for protection from a one-in-eight year flood or increase it to one in 20.
“The state government won’t allow us to go for a one-in 100 year flood protection.
“Regardless, we need to put in some spillways and floodgate protection, so if and when North Wagga gets flooded, we can get rid of that water quickly.”
Cr Conkey said construction on the 12-month, $9.7 million ‘Stage 2’ Main City Flood Levee upgrade was due to start on Monday.
Another major project due to start this year is the 43-kilometres of cycling track around Wagga and out to Forest Hill and Kapooka.
“We hope to start that in the near future,” Cr Conkey said.
“We also hope to start in 2019 the (Wagga Multisport Cycling Complex) at Pomingalarna. I’m not sure quite when we can start that but its short term rather than long term, hopefully,” he said.
Cr Conkey said Wagga’s Multi Purpose Stadium should also have its official opening early this year.
The council will proceed with the Eunony Bridge replacement to allow heavier trucks to access the Bomen Business Park and the Museum of the Riverina redevelopment.
Cr Conkey said he would advocate during the pending state and federal elections for more money to continue development at Bomen and its Visy Riverina Intermodal Freight and Logistics hub.
“We need quite a substantial amount of money from the state government to develop that land,” he said.
“It’s going to be an economic driver for this city for generations. It’s important that we continue.”
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