VIEW ORIGINAL TEXT BY ANDREW MANGELSDORF, THE DAILY ADVERTISER
In our recent council meeting, we tackled the crucial issue of the Gobba Bridge duplication—a project that has significant implications for our city’s infrastructure and connectivity.
I proposed a motion calling for a report on a cost-effective duplication of Gobba Bridge, designed to accommodate a 1:20 flood level. This proposal was driven by the pressing need to improve access between Wagga’s northern suburbs and the rest of the city. My intention was also to use this report as part of a broader transport advocacy plan to secure funding from both state and federal governments.
Despite my proposal’s aim to address our city’s urgent needs, it encountered resistance from some of my fellow councillors. Cr Tim Koschel suggested an alternative approach, advocating for a duplication above the flood zone and proposing that we focus on lobbying the state government for full funding. Cr Koschel raised valid concerns about potential cost-shifting and emphasized the need to ensure that state responsibilities are met without imposing additional financial burdens on the council.
Cr Koschel also highlighted the missed opportunity to address this issue when the bridge was initially constructed in 1997 and expressed frustration over the current backlog of road maintenance. He argued that the council should prioritize these existing issues over potentially underfunded projects.
Cr Rod Kendall shared concerns similar to Cr Koschel’s but also supported the broader goal of my original motion. He stressed that regional areas should not settle for subpar infrastructure and advocated for a flood-free duplication. Cr Kendall also mentioned difficulties with the alternative route through North Wagga, exacerbated by previous upgrades to the Olympic Highway, and noted recent funding cuts to intersection upgrades.
Cr Georgie Davies expressed her opposition to a 1:20 flood-prone bridge, arguing that Wagga needs a duplication at the current level to handle future traffic demands. Nonetheless, she acknowledged the importance of putting the issue back on the agenda and praised the effort to address it.
Ultimately, the council unanimously supported Cr Koschel’s amendment, which includes writing to Transport Minister Jenny Aitchison and MP Joe McGirr to seek an update on the project’s feasibility. The state Coalition government had previously announced a review of the Gobba Bridge duplication’s necessity, cost, and feasibility over the next five years.
As we continue to push for the infrastructure improvements our city needs, I remain committed to advocating for effective solutions and ensuring that Wagga gets the support it deserves.
Cr Richard Foley
