But it was the opening paragraph of the page 4 story that caught my eye: "Residents are concerned that they will lose control over nearby industrial developments." Yes, "control".

No-one is ever thrilled to have changes in their neighbourhood. Most of us accept that after concerns have been expressed, the government or council will proceed in the best interests of the whole community.

But there have been unproductive, deliberate delays to progress. Perhaps that's why governments at state and federal level are talking in terms of reducing "red and green tape".

With COVID-19 having made many city people question the advantages of city life, this is a now or never moment for decentralisation - but there must be jobs.

The plans for Bomen have been around for years. Then, before the last state election both major parties appeared to be signalling that country development was being taken seriously.

In March 2018, The Land carried a story headed: "Two NSW regional cities nominated as the next big thing(s)". The cities were Wagga and Tamworth, with growth to 100,000 being the aim.

"Wagga is selling itself as an education, health and agribusiness centre, while Tamworth is an important freight, food processing, services and possible international airfreight centre," the story said.

Wagga mayor Greg Conkey spruiked the advantages of this area, including our new base hospital. Labor candidate Dan Hayes said his party's policies would help Wagga achieve population growth in an August 5, 2018 DA story.

On August 28, 2018, the DA reported that Bomen's RiFL Hub project had won $14.4 million for a vital rail line. General manager Peter Thompson "described the RiFL Hub as a 'transformative piece of infrastructure' for Wagga and the wider region".

So, no surprise about Bomen's development. Voters could have rejected this proposition, but could see that Wagga's future, and jobs, depended on this project going ahead - and soon.

In July this year, the DA reported Deputy Premier John Barilaro was promising 6000 jobs being created here over the next 10 to 30 years. Although fast-tracking Bomen, Mr Barilaro promised that "the master plan would be on display for 56 days instead of 28 days" ... "to make sure we consult with the community".

But "consult" doesn't offer any one group "control" over the project. We would hope that the Brucedale residents have their suggestions heard, and where appropriate, implemented - but not in any way that jeopardises or delays this vital development.

Another comment in that Brucedale story had me intrigued. "If you read the fine print, that's where they can put solar installations up to 35 hectares ... at present we look over grazing paddocks and canola, and that could all be gone," one resident said.

I can almost hear Bob Brown speaking! Bob opposed a wind farm near his home,"because it will spoil the view and kill birds". It's what is termed NIMBY - not in my back yard. Have the Brucedale residents opposed other solar developments planned for the Wagga area?

Only a little while back council opposed housing development at Cartrights Hill. It was a very wise decision. Brucedale residents fear "there could be smoke stacks within a kilometre of our house". Mr Barilaro's spokesperson mentioned "detailed criteria included in the draft master plan around controls for noise, air quality or odour impacts", as you would hope. But Bomen, first and foremost, will be an industrial area.

If all of the new jobs eventuate, there will 24-hour traffic, and more trains, especially if inland rail meets expectations.

To the lady who said, "I'm closest to the railway and it's the noise that I'm particularly concerned about," I think we can only express sympathy, because there will be more noise.

For the first 14 years of my life, my bedroom window overlooked Liverpool's main street when it was the Hume Highway. Sleep? I never missed a wink.

The Bomen project is the post-COVID stimulus Wagga needs. After years of discussion, let's fast-forward this project.