Wagga Wagga City Council weekly
Saturday 30 September 2023 | Issue #465
Wagga Wagga City Council is alerting motorists to significant developments in two major road upgrade projects. Changed traffic conditions are expected after the long weekend for the Old Narrandera Road and Dunns Road upgrade projects.
The purpose of the mural is to celebrate the community of Humula by invigorating this important piece of community infrastructure.
Artist Alex Sugar was selected by Council and the Humula community for his design that honours the spirit of the site, highlighting the important relationship between Humula’s community particularly focusing on the incredible service of local volunteer firefighters and the rich natural environment.
The completed mural features a NSW Royal Fire Service (RFS) volunteer carrying a joey away from a bushfire, beautiful king parrots soaring through the sky away from danger, and ‘Elvis’ the NSW RFS helicopter which has been so integral to fighting major bushfires in the area over the years.
give their feedback, which has all been positive so far,” Alex Sugar said.
“The communities in regional towns are just amazing, especially Humula… I love coming out to the country.”
Last week students from Humula Public School visited the site to see Alex at work, allowing the students the opportunity to see how he works, what material and techniques he uses, and to ask questions.
This commission is a project of the Public Art Plan 2022-2026. To view the plan go to wagga.nsw.gov.au/ community/arts-and-culture/publicart
Starting from Tuesday 3 October, traffic on the Olympic Highway near Dunns Road will be reduced to one lane for construction of the new Dunns Road and Olympic Highway intersection. This lane closure is expected to last for up to six weeks, with traffic controllers managing the flow of traffic 24 hours a day. Motorists should anticipate an additional five minutes of travel time during this period.
Council Senior Project Manager Tim Morris said the new intersection will improve traffic flow and safety.
"The intersection will feature a dedicated right turn lane onto Dunns Road from the Olympic Highway, along with the installation of new signage and line marking,” Mr Morris said.
“Since construction started in May, contractors have achieved substantial progress, including realigning Dunns Road at the Olympic Highway end, extensive drainage enhancements, and sealing the previously unsealed road section.
“In total, 3.3 kilometres of road have been sealed, and guardrails have been installed to enhance safety for all road users.”
Old Narrandera Road is set to reopen to traffic in the second week of October as that project enters its final phase.
The Humula Bush Fire Brigade Shed has received a makeover with artist Alex Sugar in town last week painting a large-scale mural on the external walls.
In March 2023, Wagga Wagga City Council called for expressions of interest from experienced artists to design and install a mural artwork on the walls of the Humula Bush Fire Brigade Shed.
Alex Sugar is a Melbourne-based realism painter well-known for his largescale murals and studio works depicting native Australian flora and fauna.
To date, his mural work can be found in Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, Sydney, Perth, Paris, Berlin, London and Barcelona, and now Humula.
“It’s been great (being here in Humula) … some of the locals have come down to
HELPING HAND: During their visit, students from Humula Public School had the opportunity to contribute to the mural under the guidance of artist Alex Sugar.
DON’T put large pieces of wood and stump, rocks, bricks or glass in the green lid bin. Instead, drop it off at the tip or put it in the red lid bin, noting the weight limit.
To learn more visit: wagga.nsw.gov.au/householdwaste
Council Senior Project Manager Robert Mithilan said almost two months of intensive work has seen the completion of the earth works to form the foundation of the widened road sections, stabilisation of road sub-base and installation of two median islands . “Efforts will now shift to complete the road base works and seal the road to ensure smoother and safer driving conditions,” Mr Mithilan said.
“The tentative timeline for the project's completion is around mid-October, pending favourable weather conditions.” Motorists can keep up to date with traffic disruptions by-visiting livetraffic.com
an excellent path for exercising.”
“It’s a complex large-scale project that is already delivering real benefits to the city’s residents.
“All of this work means that residents have alternative means to commute to work, or a safe network to enjoy the city and suburbs on foot or by bicycle.
“This warmer weather sees many more of our community out and about, and this is particularly noticeable as the evenings get longer.”
As the warmer weather is upon us, Wagga Wagga City Council is reminding residents and visitors about the importance of water safety. Whether you’re near the Murrumbidgee River or exploring other bodies of water like lakes, creeks, dams or swimming pools while enjoying swimming, fishing, camping, canoeing or kayaking, preparation and vigilance are key.
Council’s Manager Recreation and Economic Development Ben Creighton is encouraging the community to take care when taking part in recreational activities, particularly at the Murrumbidgee River.
“The river can change, there are many hidden dangers as well as cold and fast flowing water,” Mr Creighton said.
“While unfamiliar swimming locations pose increased risk for visitors, the risks are just as real for locals.
“Recent research by Royal Life Saving Society shows that 40 per cent of those who drowned in inland waterways were within 20km of home at the time.
“This tragic figure emphasises that no matter how familiar we think we are with our local river it still poses a risk. Water safety for children is paramount, but also needs to be considered by older more experienced swimmers with the research revealing 44 per cent of people who drowned in rivers, creeks, lakes and dams were aged 25 to 54.
“We want the community to enjoy their time in and around water, but we urge them to be prepared, to look out for each other, listen to any advice and warnings, and make good decisions.”
Here are some safety tips for around the water:
• Check conditions before entering the water.
• Enter the water slowly, feet first.
• Take care around crumbling riverbeds and slippery dam edges.
• Avoid underwater obstacles such as rocks, branches, rubbish.
• Take care when walking on unstable or slippery riverbeds.
• Avoid alcohol and drugs around water.
• Wear a lifejacket when boating or using watercraft.
• Always swim with a friend.
For more information on water safety visit Royal Life Saving NSW website drowningprevention.org.au and Council’s website wagga.nsw.gov.au/ riversafety
The Active Travel Plan’s 56km of shared paths is the one of the largest active travel networks to be built in a regional centre, and the first to be constructed as part of a single project.
The roll-out of the shared pathway network continues with portions of Stage 1 to be completed and planning underway for Stage 3.
50.7 kilometres of Stage 1 and 2 of Wagga Wagga’s shared path network has been completed with some sections remaining and planning underway for future growth.
With the weather warming up Council will resume works to continue the Forest Hill link, which will connect Kooringal Road with Forest Hill.
Council recently installed two threemetre-wide bridges over Marshalls Creek at the beginning of this link.
Sections of the network in central Wagga are also expected to resume. This link aims to connect the Bourke and Kapooka links to the CBD so residents can travel into and around the city centre and on to the north of the city via the University link.
Council’s Manager Recreation and Economic Development Ben Creighton is excited about what the project will mean for residents of all ages and abilities.
“When completed, the Active Travel Plan’s shared pathway will crisscross the city and provide residents with a safe, alterative travel option for commuting, or
“Our city is on its way to becoming a regional cycling capital with the Multisport Cycling Complex at Pomingalarna, which can be reached by the network, and the continuation of the Active Travel Plan project,” Mr Creighton said.
The Active Travel Plan project is jointly funded by the NSW Government and Wagga Wagga City Council.
Find out where the Active Travel Plan connects with your suburb at: wagga. nsw.gov.au/projects/cycling-network
Enjoy the shared pathway with the following guidelines:
• Pedestrians have right of way – this includes motorised wheelchair users, mobility scooters and motorised scooters.
• Cyclists must use their bell to alert other path users that a bicycle is approaching.
• Pedestrians need to remain aware of their surroundings and other path users.
• All shared path users are to keep to the left.
• Keep moving – if you need to stop, please move off the path if possible.
• Be prepared to give way at shared intersections.
• Dogs must be kept on a leash.
• Animals and children on footpaths can be unpredictable. Slow down and cycle to the conditions.
Goofy Theodore
RIVER SAFETY: Wagga Beach and other locations along the Murrumbidgee River is popular for water recreation during the summer months. Council is reminding the community to be water safe. Subscribe now
Theodore is a male Boxer x Staffy who is approximately 1 year old. He has a very goofy, sweet and playful nature and loves the company of other dogs. The adoption fee for Theodore is $312 and includes microchipping, lifetime registration, desexing, vaccination, heartworm test, flea and worming treatment and ID tag. (Impound no: D23/0481)
6971 4651 graswagga.com.au
Fleet Operations Officer $2,896.12 gpf + super
Closing: Monday, 9 October 2023
Mechanic $2,896.12 gpf + super
Closing: Sunday, 15 October 2023
gpf = gross salary per fortnight
Wagga Wagga City Council is an EEO employer
R251000208
For more details and to apply, visit: Enquiries: 1300 292 442
wagga.nsw.gov.au/ jobs
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Road closures
GEARS AND BEERS FESTIVAL CLOSURES
Date: Sunday 1 October 2023
Road: Baylis St between Morrow and Johnson Sts. Morrow St between Peter St and O’Reilly St
Duration: Between 5.30am and 4pm
Reason: Gears and Beers Festival and associated bike event
Detour: Via Tarcutta St and Johnson St BIROOMBA LANE
Date: 9 October 2023 to 10 October 2023
Road: Biroomba Lane between Edward St and Morgan St
Duration: From 6pm to 6am (night works)
Reason: Remove and replace existing surface
ALL NOTICES NOW ONLINE AT: wagga.nsw.gov.au/publicnotices
1300 292 442 wagga.nsw.gov.au