NEW WAGGA LEVEE TO HOLD BACK THE TIDE

Wagga Wagga’s newly completed Main City Levee Bank will protect the city against a one-in-100-year flood event.

Member for Riverina, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said the levee, which includes two spillways for extreme flooding events, was an important investment in Wagga Wagga’s safety and future prosperity.

“Strengthening the levee system will help safeguard the central business district, many of the city’s critical assets and thousands of homes,” Mr McCormack said.

“Access to the levee has been significantly improved with smoother and disability-compliant ramps at seven locations between Hammond Avenue and Travers Street.

“This is a great local example of how the Australian Government’s $100 billion investment in nationwide infrastructure is supporting jobs at a time when it is needed most.”

Member of the New South Wales Legislative Council Wes Fang said it was important to recognise all those involved in completing the project.

“Stage 1 started in late 2017 with works downstream of the Gobbagombalin Bridge, west of the city,” Mr Fang said.

“Stage 2 included six kilometres of levee bank, of which almost two kilometres required sheet-piling work.

“This is a project designed to improve and protect community life in a regional city a fine example of large-scale community infrastructure delivered by all levels of government working together.”

Wagga Wagga Mayor Greg Conkey said the project, finished four weeks ahead of schedule, was one of the largest undertaken by Council in recent times.

“The significance of the project to the city cannot be understated because when Wagga is threatened by flooding, we can be assured this upgraded levee bank will keep the city safe,” Cr Conkey said.

“The project planning also incorporated residents’ everyday activities, such as cycling and walking.

“It’s maximising the benefits we can take away from this major project. Critical infrastructure being used for other purposes is smart thinking.”

Indigenous artwork placed onto the sheet-pile capping highlights the strong link between the Wiradjuri people and the Murrumbidgee River.

The main city levee project was jointly funded with the Australian Government contributing $9 million, the New South Wales Government $4.1 million and Wagga Wagga City Council $1.4 million.

Shane Manning