Council News Issue No: 126
CITY OF WAGGA WAGGA
FIRST PRINTED SATURDAY 24 DECEMBER 2016
Weekly information from us to you
BOREDOM BUSTERS FOR THE HOLIDAYS
MOVING FORWARD: Taking a look at the progress of the Bomen Enabling Roads project are (from left) BMD Constructions Project Manager Mark Gallagher, City of Wagga Wagga General Manager Alan Eldridge and Council's Project Manager Silas Darby.
Game-changing Bomen roads project on track One of the biggest infrastructure projects in the City of Wagga Wagga’s history is well under way. More than six kilometres of new road has been excavated so far as part of the Bomen Enabling Roads project. Works on the ground began in October, with 1.2km of rail siding removed followed by earthworks in November where 25,000 tonnes of material was removed. Mayor of the City of Wagga Wagga Councillor Greg Conkey OAM said 2017 will be an exciting time in the city’s history, with major works such as the link to the Olympic Highway and rail underpass to begin. “The progress so far has been exciting and by this time next year the roads will be being used and the new Eunony Bridge nearing completion,” he said. “Including the replacement of the bridge, the Bomen Enabling Roads project is worth in the vicinity of $40M. “This project will improve safety by removing the
BOMEN ENABLING ROADS: WORKS UPDATE • On site survey and soil investigation began in September • 1.2km of rail siding was
removed in October • Earthworks began in November – 25,000 tonnes of material has been removed so far and 40,000 tonnes of fill has been used
Dampier Street level crossing, create a potential round trip saving of 36 minutes for Higher Mass Limit (HML) vehicles and better link the industrial precinct with the Olympic and Sturt highways. “These works have the ability to transform the local economy and can unlock 1800 hectares of industrial zoned land at Bomen Business Park for potential development.” As the project progresses, there will be some impact on the community, including partial road closures, detours and traffic delays. The first impact for residents will be the closure of East Bomen Road to Byrnes Road from 3 January 2017 until June. The closure will allow Byrnes Road to be realigned and a new roundabout to be constructed at the East Bomen Road intersection, which will then connect with the underpass.
• 6.4km of roadway has been excavated • East Bomen Road will be closed from 3 January for the realignment of Bynres Road/ roundabout construction
Residents will be able to access East Bomen Road via Windmill Road. To keep up to date with the Bomen Enabling Roads project, visit wagga.nsw.gov.au/bomenroads. The Bomen Enabling Roads project also serves as stage one of the proposed Riverina Intermodal Freight and Logistics (RiFL) Hub program. The next step for stage two is finalising commercial terms with Council’s private sector partner, Genesee & Wyoming Australia (GWA). These negotiations have been progressing well and are expected to be finalised in the new year. The RiFL Hub program and Bomen Enabling Roads project have been made possible through State Government funding of $13.2M and Federal Government funding of $14.5M. • WAGGA.NSW.GOV.AU/BOMENROADS
Do you need some guaranteed boredom busters over the school holidays? Across the city there’s a range of great activities this summer, including shows, movies, cooking classes, art and even a comedy workshop at the Civic Theatre. We’ve got your kids covered – and there’s still plenty to see and do for your visiting family and friends like the Archibald Prize exhibition at Wagga Wagga Art Gallery. The gallery also has a children’s trail for the Archibalds, which is on now until 15 January, as well as free movies in the new year as part of the Jackdaw Film Series. If your kids love to read, the Wagga Wagga City Library has a Summer Reading Club where you can borrow as many books as you like over the holidays and go into the draw to win a prize. There are also games and craft activities at the library throughout the school holidays. At the Museum of the Riverina’s Historic Council Chambers site, kids can use giant building blocks to create their own fantastical contraptions. They can also get into the spirit of the Stagelights exhibition and play dress ups with Rock a Costume. If you’re heading down to the Botanic Gardens site, Kidzone will keep your children entertained and you can also head over to the gardens' free zoo and aviary. When the summer heat almost has you beat, you can take the kids down to the Oasis Regional Aquatic Centre to make a splash in both the indoor and outdoor facilities. For full details of these and many more events, download a copy of the summer school holiday activity guide or the full summer what’s on guide now from www.visitwagga.com.
Wagga Wagga Art Gallery
3 Dec 2016 – 15 Jan 2017 An Art Gallery of New South Wales touring exhibition
Wagga Wagga Art Gallery is supported by the NSW Government through Arts NSW.
Closed Sun 25 Dec, Mon 26 Dec, Sun 1 Jan & Mon 2 Jan Open Tues 27 Dec - Sun 1 Jan 10am - 4pm Open regular hours from Tues 3 Jan