Botanic Gardens Precinct and Dunns Road upgrades
celebrated with official openings
Commemorative events were held this week to mark formal completion of two significant infrastructure projects in the Wagga Wagga region: the Botanic Gardens Precinct Renewal and Dunns Road Upgrade.
The two events were attended by Senator for NSW Deborah O’Neill, in representation of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister, the Hon Catherine King, the Hon Michael McCormack MP, Federal Member for Riverina, Mayor of the City of Wagga Wagga Councillor Dallas Tout, Councillors, staff and other valued stakeholders.
The Botanic Gardens Precinct Renewal – jointly funded by local, state, and federal government, and now finalised with the completed Stage 2 upgrade of Lord Baden Powell Drive – formed part of a three-stage project aimed at improving spatial connections, accessibility and safety for drivers and pedestrians alike in the Botanic Gardens Precinct. Mayor of the City of Wagga Wagga Councillor Dallas Tout remarked that the successfully delivered project
Could your project, event or great idea for the community do with a funding boost? Community
Young Wagga Voices launches series one!
Wagga Wagga City Council has launched the official Young Wagga Voices podcast led by local young people who share their experiences, ideas and perspectives on growing up in Wagga Wagga.
Community Development Coordinator
Alex Osgood says the project has engaged over 20 young people in the last twelve months, providing training opportunities and to help share their unique experiences of growing up in regional NSW.
“This project has allowed Council to give young people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds a cool opportunity to learn about podcasting and to share insights about their experiences,” Ms Osgood said.
represents a meaningful commitment from government at all levels, to enrich this valued community space in more important ways than one.
“These upgrades now play a key role in fostering improved long-term connectivity between the Museum of the Riverina and the Botanic Gardens, while also contributing to greater safety for motorists and pedestrians accessing the area,” Cr Tout said.
Meanwhile, the Dunns Road Upgrade – reopened to motorists in late March 2024, and funded by the Australian Government with contributions from Wagga Wagga City Council and the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program – is already delivering a smoother, safer driving experience for those accessing the city from the south.
The project’s key components included sealing of a 3.3km section of the road, upgrade of the Olympic Highway and Dunns Road intersection, and construction of a roundabout at the Holbrook Road and Dunns Road intersection.
These improvements will enable Dunns Road to safely accommodate up to 1000 vehicles daily and improves
accessibility to the southern suburbs from the Olympic Highway.
Senator Deborah O’Neill noted that the completed upgrade of Dunns Road is a wonderful outcome for Wagga Wagga and the Riverina.
“Wagga Wagga is a key hub for national agriculture, trade, military, sport, tourism and culture and it is important that the Australian Government continues to support the development of its infrastructure.”
To find out more about the projects visit haveyoursay.wagga.nsw.gov.au
“It has been really eye-opening to collaborate with such a diverse range of young people. This podcast really captures the unique youth we have in Wagga Wagga and after the initial training in April we had lots of interest across the community.”
Series one of the podcast covers a broad range of topics from refugee experiences, connecting with culture, queer stories and mental health.
“The youth in series one range from 13 to 23 years old and they have been really candid and vulnerable,” Ms Osgood said.
This project was made a reality thanks to funding from the NSW Office of Regional Youth as part of the 2023 Regional Youth Radio Program.
“As part of the funding, Council also purchased a top-of-the-line podcast recording kit which is now available for community use via a partnership with Eastern Riverina Arts.”
You can listen to series one of Young Wagga Voices via Spotify.
Series Two is already in production and young people can get involved by emailing youth@wagga.nsw.gov.au or call 1300 292 442.
Wagga Wagga City Council would like to thank ABC Riverina and Multicultural Council of Wagga Wagga for their support of the project.
Take your project to the next level and apply for the Annual Grants Program!
APPLY NOW: If you have a community project or program, apply for Council’s Annual Grants Program 2024/25 before Monday 6 May 2024 at 11.59pm.
One week left to apply for Annual Grants Program funding
Council is encouraging local event organisers to submit an application for the Annual Grants Program 2024/25 funding before the deadline on Monday 6 May 2024 at 11.59pm. The funding program has $217,450 available to support community groups and organisations across 10 categories: Community Programs and Projects, Recreational and Community Facilities, Neighbourhood and Rural Villages, Rural Halls, Arts, Culture and Creative Industries, Local Heritage, Events, Environment, Youth Programs and Projects, and Small Business. Manager Community Services Madeleine Scully says this funding opportunity only comes around once a year, and anyone considering applying should submit an application now. “We are really encouraging all local community groups and organisations who have a project or program in need of funding to apply for support through Council’s Annual Grants Program,” Ms Scully said.
You can contact a category grants officer via grants@wagga.nsw.gov.au or by calling 1300 292 442.
The Annual Grants Program is part of Council’s commitment to developing a vibrant and diverse community in line with the goals of the Community Strategic Plan 2040.
Last year Council supported 63 community and small business projects through its 2023/24 program.
Applications for the Annual Grants Program 2024/25 close on Monday 6 May 2024 at 11.59pm.
For more information, visit the Annual Grants Program page on our website: wagga.nsw.gov.au/community/grantsand-sponsorships/annual-grantsprogram
Grant Categories
• Community Programs & Projects
• Recreational & Community Facilities
• Neighbourhood & Rural Villages
• Rural Halls
• Arts, Culture & Creative Industries
• Local Heritage
• Events
• Environment
• Youth Programs & Projects
• Small Business
MULTIPLE CATEGORIES: Funding is available across 10 categories, including Rural Halls, Youth, Environment, Local Heritage and Small Business.
Have your say on our plans and documents on public exhibition
There are currently a number of plans and documents on public exhibition for community feedback.
DO EWE NEED LAND? The Council owned parcels of land can be used for grazing livestock.
All the graze: Expressions of Interest for grazing licences
Council is calling for Expressions of Interest (EOI) for grazing licences of up to five years for various parcels of land owned by Council within the Local Government Area.
The parcels of land, located throughout Wagga Wagga, can be used for grazing livestock.
Wagga Wagga City Council Property Coordinator Matthew Dombrovski said anyone in need of a parcel of land for grazing or for feeding livestock is encouraged to submit an EOI.
“There are 13 blocks of land with 32 lots available in Forest Hill, Central Wagga Wagga, North Wagga, Downside and Cartwrights Hill,” Mr Dombrovski said.
“The land can be licenced by residents, but, it is best suited for grazing livestock.
“There are limitations on the use of the land, for example, the parcels cannot be used for growing crops or leased to third parties.”
Any successful applicants will be responsible for constructing, maintaining, replacing and/or repairing the fencing located on the licensed premises to a stock proof standard.
In addition, the licensee will agree to implement weed control strategies as detailed in the Riverina Regional Strategic Weed Management Plan 2023-2027 (RRSWMP).
Are you looking for the purrfect mate?
The Glenfield Road Animal Shelter currently has 54 cats and kittens that are looking for their forever homes. The cats and kittens range from 2 months to 8 years old and there is a variety of sizes, colours and personalities to suit any kind of family. Visit the shelter and the friendly staff will help assist you to find the perfect companion.
The adoption cost for male cats is $224 and female cats are $264 which includes microchipping, lifetime registration, vaccination, desexing, FIV test, flea and worming treatment and ID tag.
Meet all our available pets via graswagga.com.au or pop in to visit. The shelter is open Monday to Saturday, 1pm – 4.15pm.
Vacancies
Senior Traffic Operations Engineer
Remuneration: An attractive remuneration in accordance with skills and experience.
Closing: Monday, 6 May 2024
Have your say
Wagga Wagga
Share your ideas for the future of Wagga Wagga + surrounds
WHAT’S ON THIS WEEK
Including:
Draft On-Site Sewage Management Plan 2024-2028
Draft Civic Theatre Performing Arts
Masterplan
Wagga Wagga 2050 Community Strategic Plan Join the conversation: haveyoursay.wagga.nsw.gov.au
Persons interested in applying for a grazing licence must submit an Expression of Interest addressing the selection criteria.
More information can be found at haveyoursay.wagga.nsw.gov.au/ grazing-land
Hard copy application forms can be obtained from Customer Service at the Wagga Wagga Civic Centre.
Submissions close at 5pm, Monday 20 May 2024.
Exhibitions Officer (Part-Time)
Remuneration: $2,060.90 gpf + super
Closing: Monday, 20 May 2024
To learn more or apply, visit: gpf = gross salary per fornight Wagga Wagga City Council is an EEO employer
Enquiries: 1300 292 442
wagga.nsw.gov.au/ jobs