WAGGA is on track to become a cycling capital after the multimillion-dollar multisport cycling complex at Pomingalarna Reserve took an important step forward on Monday night.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The commencement of the $9.2 million project, which features a new mountain bike and running paths, a new BMX track, a cycling education area, mountain bike playground, a new velodrome and new car parking and barbecues had been pushed back slightly.
However, Wagga councillors endorsed the next stage of the development at the council meeting on Monday night.
A contract for the design and construction of the facility will now be finalised with the Riverina-based company Joss Constructions.
Paul Johanson, a spokesman for the local cycling groups, said that the five clubs were excited the step had been taken and looked forward to the shovel hitting the ground once designs were complete.
In other news:
"It will be great to get our teeth into it and start moving it along," Mr Johanson said.
"We are at a really exciting stage that things have finally been kicked along and it is all systems go now."
Mr Johanson said Pomingalarna Reserve was a very important community space and this development will be a huge attraction for Wagga.
He said it will not only attract more cycling events in the future, but will be a boost for tourism with plentiful of bike and walking tracks.
Wagga mayor Greg Conkey said the council believes this is a great project for the city and it was determined to make sure it is a first class facility that puts Wagga on the map in southern NSW.
"It is nice we have signed off on part of it and hopefully we can attract more funding for the other minor stages," he said.
"It is going to be a great asset for the city .... and we will become the cycling capital for southern NSW with this facility, plus with all our active travel cycleways as well."
The multisport complex will cater to cycling clubs and community members, both cyclists and non-cyclists alike, in a safe environment four kilometres away from the suburban and main road traffic in Wagga.
The council is working in collaboration with Wagga's five cycling groups.