The $23 million upgrade of the city's levee bank is nearing the home stretch after a major milestone was reached this week.
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Wagga council's commercial operations director Caroline Angel said the last of the sheet piling works were now complete, which brings the levee to a one in 100 year level of protection against flooding.
Ms Angel said the steel sheets will be capped with aerated concrete blocks that will display local artwork in areas with pedestrian access.
"There will be a number of access points for people of all accessibility and those sections that are left open will be closed off during a flood event with aluminum panels sliding in," she said.
The finishing touches yet to be completed include floodgates, walking trails, handrails and access points, which are expected to be finished by April 1 next year.
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Wagga mayor Greg Conkey said it was good news that the project will be completed on time and on budget.
He said the council has engaged with insurance companies, pushing for lower premiums once upgrades are finished.
"They have stipulated that the one in 100 year protection is what they require and we sure hope premiums will come down," he said.
Despite works scheduled for completion by April, the special rate variation for the flood levee upgrade will be in place until the 2020/2021 financial year.
Cr Conkey said the special rate variation finances not only the Main City Levee, but the 1 in 20 year level of protection for North Wagga.