Mount Austin High School students driving change
A group of senior high school students are about to kick-start their journey to achieving their provisional licence as part of the ‘License for Change’ partnership project between Wagga Wagga City Council, Mount Austin High School and the local Driver Training – Wagga and Regions.
Council was successful in securing $50,000 in Youth Opportunities Program funding from the NSW Department of Communities and Justice for the joint initiative.
The grant funds are being used to purchase vouchers to access the safer drivers’ course directly from NRMA, along with other resources to support the student learners.
Council’s Community Development Coordinator Alex Osgood said the Mount Austin High School community had identified some of the barriers for students in participating in volunteering, employment and other opportunities after leaving school.
“Getting a licence is such a key turning point in many young people’s lives on their journey to independence, but access and affordability and cost-ofliving pressures puts this out of reach for
many,” Alex Osgood said.
“‘License for Change’ is designed to support 35 local young people from Mount Austin High School to gain their learner licence, through to obtaining their provisional licence.
“It improves young people’s access and ability to participate by bringing the program directly to the students, using identified support networks that they trust, and minimising as many barriers as possible to being able to participate in a program like this.”
Mount Austin High School Principal
Michelle Waugh said the ability to drive is a critical skill for students transitioning to the workplace or higher education.
“The cost of driving lessons is prohibitive and sometimes there are other factors that might mean that students are unable to access all the hours they need to do while on their L plates,” Ms Waugh said.
“It’s about engaging young people in learning and supporting their education and employment pathways for the future, so they are well prepared for when they leave high school.”
Christine Hillis from the Driver Training – Wagga and Regions is pleased to be working with the students, building
their confidence behind the wheel, and preparing them for the test.
“We think it’s a really important program for the Mount Austin High School community and particularly for the students as it’s about more than just the skill of driving,” Ms Hillis said.
“When you see young people at this age and they’re struggling to get their licence, this program can be that sliding door moment when you know it’s going to make a difference, they’re going to get their licence and it will change their lives.”
UP: This program acknowledges that the ability to drive is a critical skill for students transitioning to the workplace or higher education, and helps students cover this gap.
Works & Projects
One of Wagga Wagga’s key connector roads between the north and south of the city centre over the Wollundry Lagoon has reopened to traffic following the completion of major rehabilitation works.
The project involved structural improvements to the approaches at either end of the Ivan Jack Drive Bridge and rehabilitation of the road from The Esplanade-Best Street intersection to the Johnston-Trail streets roundabout.
The stretch of road was closed to all road users and pedestrians for the duration of the works, which began in February 2025.
Senior Project Manager Krishan Maharaj said Council appreciated the patience the community has shown in responding to the disruption to traffic flow.
“We know the closure of the road caused some inconvenience to residents and road users, but they have been very supportive of the works,” Mr Maharaj said.
“They have been really understanding of the importance of this project being carried out, knowing that the end result is going to be an improvement on their trip through this space.”
The bridge stabilisation and rehabilitation were designed to increase the longevity in the lifespan of the structure without having to do any major structural work to it.
Contractors completed the road rehabilitation phase this week with the application of the wearing course to the full length of Ivan Jack Drive on Wednesday and Thursday (2-3 April).
“We think road users will be very pleased with the improvement in the ride quality for their vehicles or bikes,” Mr Maharaj said.
“The rehabilitation has strengthened the pavement, providing a safer and smoother surface for all road users.”
The project has been funded under Council’s Bridge Replacement Reserve and Civil Infrastructure Reserve and its existing annual roadworks program for 2024-2025.
Business & Economy
By
Applications open for Council’s mobile food vendor permits!
Potential mobile food vendors are being encouraged to apply for a two-year permit to operate a food service on Council owned roads and other public places within the Wagga Wagga Local Government Area (LGA).
Expressions of Interest (EOI) opened on Monday 31 March 2024 for the 20 permits available under Council’s Mobile Food Vendors Trading in Public Place Policy (POL 062).
Economic Development Officer Sue Hanrahan said Council is seeking applications from qualified and suitable mobile food vendors from within the LGA, who meet the selection criteria outlined in the Policy.
“I’m confident we will see many of our existing operators applying to renew their permits for another 24 months,” Ms Hanrahan said.
“We are also keen to see some new faces throw their hats into the ring and bring even more diversity to the range of mobile food and beverage outlets currently on offer.”
The Mobile Food Vendor initiative was introduced in December 2019 after a five-month trial.
The permits allow vendors to operate on Council owned and managed land, such as roads and other public places between 6am to 10pm, provided they remain 200 metres from a bricks and mortar food and beverage premises.
“This initiative has been a great addition to our city, with the mobile food vendors out and about in our suburbs and villages, and at community events and popular parks and public spaces,” Ms Hanrahan.
Expressions of Interest are open until 2pm on Friday 30 May 2025.
For information and to submit an EOI, visit: haveyoursay.wagga.nsw.gov.au/ mfv-eoi
Council
PLANNING: Director Regional Activation John Sidgwick and Contributions Coordinator Belinda Maclure looking over the documents for the rezoning of the Southern Growth Area Zone 1.
Planning for suburbs in Wagga Wagga’s south
Council has recently endorsed a planning proposal that will see the rezoning and future development of approximately 2,900 dwellings to the south of Wagga Wagga.
The Southern Growth Area (SGA) precinct was first identified in 2021 following the lodgement of a planning proposal known as Sunnyside.
Council, the State Government, and stakeholders have worked together on the vision for the precinct since 2022.
The planning proposal for SGA Zone 1 will rezone the land to deliver a range of residential, commercial, open space and infrastructure uses.
The proposal will also pursue changes to the minimum lot size, density provisions, and localised controls to guide development of the precinct.
At its Ordinary Meeting on 24 March 2025, Council resolved to forward the planning proposal to the Department of Planning, Housing & Infrastructure (DPHI), requesting a gateway determination that will specify if the planning proposal should proceed and what consultation is required.
Council's Director of Regional Activation, John Sidgwick said Council’s endorsement of this proposal is the first step of the process.
“This represents a significant milestone in securing future zoned land for new homes in the Southern area of Wagga Wagga for our community,” Mr Sidgwick said.
While Council awaits the outcome of the gateway determination, further work will be undertaken to establish a contributions plan for the precinct and formulate a development control plan (DCP) to guide future building developments.
It is expected that public exhibition of the proposal will occur later this year.
For further information visit haveyoursay.wagga.nsw.gov.au
Road closures for Mardi Gras 2025 parade
Sections of Baylis Street will be closed on Saturday 5 April:
Between Morrow Street and the Wollundry Lagoon Bridge closed from 11am onwards.
Between Berry Street & Tongaboo Lane closed from 4pm to 6pm.
Between Tompson and Morrow streets closed from 4pm to midnight.
From 12pm, parking at the Bolton Park Carpark will be restricted, with the first two rows (nearest to Morgan Street) to be the only parking spaces to remain open.
Detours and traffic control crews will be in place.
Community
COME ALONG: Family Community Safety Day will return for 2025 on Sunday 13 April from 10pm-12pm, at Jack Misson Oval in Ashmont. Council is inviting residents from across Wagga Wagga to attend and learn about our local first responders.
Come along to Family Community Safety Day
Wagga Wagga City Council in collaboration with police from the Wagga Wagga Local Area Command are inviting residents from across the Local Government Area to an upcoming Family Community Safety Day.
The family friendly event is being held at Jack Misson Oval in Ashmont between 10am and 12pm on Sunday 13 April 2025 as part of the Wagga Youth Week 2025 program.
Council’s Community Development Coordinator Alex Osgood is encouraging young people, their families and friends to come along, connect with local first responders and learn more about volunteering opportunities with local services.
“We will have representatives from the police, fire services, and local emergency volunteer groups attending, and a free community barbeque," Alex Osgood said.
“The purpose of this Community Safety Day event is to work with local police to engage with residents on a regular basis about any community safety concerns and provide a relaxed opportunity for community to engage with their local first responders outside of crisis situations.”
Professional Standards, Youth and Engagement Officer with the Police District, Inspector Jillian Gibson, believes the Family Community Safety Day events are an important initiative.
“Community safety is about recognising the need for all sections of the community to work together to create a safer environment for everyone,” Inspector Gibson said.
“This means building partnerships between police, government agencies, council, community organisations, and residents to promote and strengthen community safety for all.”
The Family Community Safety Day events align with Council’s Community Safety Action Plan 2022 - 2026, which outlines the strategies and actions to increase safety, reduce crime where possible, and work toward building a safe and vibrant community for everyone.
she'll put your heart in a spin!
‘Giddy’ is an 8-month-old,
The adoption cost for Giddy (ImpC25/0004) is $301, which includes
