Wagga's Jacob O'Hare suggests public artwork for city's old mills and rail overpass

Wagga resident Jacob O'Hare said the old mills and the rail overpass on Edward Street have become sites for vandalism, which is not a good look as people drive through the city.

He suggested that now is the time to consider utilising these empty spaces for public artwork that not only beautifies the area, but rallies the community together.

Mr O'Hare said he personally would like to involve local indigenous artists and celebrate the Wiradjuri culture.

"It will be able to attract people's eyes and make people see that we are community-driven and love our city," he said.

"We are supposedly the biggest inland city between Sydney and Melbourne so having something - after COVID-19 of course - for people to look at on those journeys would be fantastic and bring a little bit more tourism to the town."

Although he understands that public artwork has been a contentious topic in the past, Mr O'Hare believes people will be more lenient to this idea.

He said they will be more invested than previous public art because they would see it everyday going to and from work.

Eastern Riverina Arts executive director Tim Kurylowicz said there are a number of sites across the city where public art could have a role in activating the area.

"Public artwork can create a very vital sense of identity for the city, but also signals to drivers coming through that this is a place of ambition and excitement and is worth taking note of," he said.

Dr Kurylowicz said there is a real desire in residents to have a city that is "both vibrant, fun and surprising" that showcases its unique character. He said public art could help the city achieve those things.