Council News #329 - 23 January 2021

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INSIDE: WHO WAS NOMINATED FOR AUSTRALIA DAY AWARDS + MORE

Council News CITY OF WAGGA WAGGA

FIRST PRINTED SATURDAY 23 JANUARY 2021

Issue No: 329

Weekly information from us to you

WORKS UNDERWAY: The official start of works on the next stage of the Riverina Intermodal Freight and Logistics (RiFL) Hub was marked at a sod turning ceremony at the Bomen site earlier this week. NSW Deputy Premier John Barilaro and Mayor of the City of Wagga Wagga Cr Greg Conkey OAM used traditional Wiradjuri digging sticks at the ceremony attended by MLC Wes Fang (left) and Member for Wagga Wagga Dr Joe McGirr (right). Inset (top) Wiradjuri knowledge holder Peter Ingram conducts a smoking ceremony at the RiFL site.

RiFL Hub vision takes next step The first official sod turned on the next stage of the RiFL Hub at Bomen.

Construction of the next stage of the Riverina Intermodal Freight and Logistics (RiFL) Hub is now underway, which will enable the 60-hectare Bomen Industrial Precinct in Wagga Wagga to export freight across Australia and the globe. Deputy Premier John Barilaro, NSW Nationals MLC Wes Fang and Mayor of the City of Wagga Wagga Councillor Greg Conkey

OAM visited the site on Tuesday (19 January) for the official sod turning using traditional Wiradjuri digging sticks. Council’s Director Regional Activation Michael Keys said the multi-million-dollar project has been a long time coming and described it as a “game-changer” for Wagga and the surrounding region. “It’s a long term vision for Wagga,” Mr Keys said. “It’s about making sure regional NSW is connected to international markets and that we are competitive on a local, state and national basis and that’s going to be the difference. “Once complete, the new

terminal and rail siding will provide international connections along the Inland Rail line through to Brisbane, Sydney, and Melbourne ports for locally made products going out and for imports critical to help our local industry to continue to grow and prosper. “On the back of that is a 60 hectare industrial subdivision with a range of lots that will be connected through to Merino Road and have direct access to the Olympic Highway and also via the new Eunony Bridge back out to the Sturt Highway and on to the Hume. “We’ve already had some really strong interest, business and

industry keen to try and find out where they can go, where they can set up and what’s going to be available.” Cr Conkey said it was an exciting time for the community to finally see the start of site works on this ground-breaking investment in the city and its surrounds. “It’s been 15 years in the making and it is an example of a genuine partnership between state and local government and industry,” Cr Conkey said. “The RiFL Hub terminal will be the core for future growth and expansion in the Bomen Special Activation Precinct, generating up to 6,000 jobs in this region,

and has the potential to drive the economic future of the city for decades.” Mr Barilaro said the development of the precinct was fantastic news for the region. “It will make Wagga a major player in domestic and international freight export, making the city even more attractive to local and international businesses,” Mr Barilaro said. “This $43.7M investment from the NSW Government combined with significant investment from Council and commercial partner Visy Logistics will create vital jobs in the Riverina. Continued page 4.

AUSTRALIA DAY 2021 WAGGA WAGGA

For further event information: Call us on 1300 292 442 or visit wagga.nsw.gov.au/australiaday For full event details: Call us on 1300 292 442 or visit wagga.nsw.gov.au/australiaday


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