Member for Wagga Wagga Dr Joe McGirr, Wagga Business Chamber business manager Sally Manning and Committee 4 Wagga CEO Scott Sanbrook have launched a petition regarding duplication of the Gobbagombalin Bridge. Photo: Jarryd Rowley.
Member for Wagga Wagga Dr Joe McGirr has launched a petition to duplicate the Gobbagombalin Bridge.
The duplication of the bridge has long been one of the most requested projects by the Wagga community, and named the number one priority by local advocacy group Committee 4 Wagga.
Dr McGirr announced the petition earlier this week, stating now was the time to get the ball moving as the population in the city’s northern suburbs continued to grow.
“This is the number one transport priority for Wagga Wagga,” he said.
“We know we have huge growth in the northern parts of our city, and that’s welcome with the additional housing. But we also know that we have a real pinch point on the Gobba Bridge.
“We need to start work on this duplication right now to plan for our future.
“We know this is a big ask. We know this is one of the longest bridges in NSW. It’s longer than the (Sydney) Harbour Bridge.
“But we need to get this on the strategic plan for Transport for NSW. The community have been right behind me in raising this with the (NSW) Government.”
Dr McGirr highlighted the importance of getting 10,000 signatures on the petition to enable it to be debated in parliament.
“I’ve taken every opportunity to make sure the Premier and ministers are aware of this need, and while I’m pleased it’s on their radar, we need people power to get to the next stage, which is why it’s important as many people as possible sign the petition,” he said.
“If we secure 10,000 signatures, the issue will be debated in parliament, which would be a powerful way of putting our case to the state’s decision-makers.”
Joining Dr McGirr in pushing the petition are Committee 4 Wagga and the Wagga Business Chamber, both of which have backed the community and financial benefits of duplicating the bridge.
Committee 4 Wagga CEO Scott Sanbrook said the petition offered the community an opportunity to drive change.
“Committee 4 Wagga has carried out extensive community consultation, which has shown the duplication of the Gobbagombalin Bridge is the highest priority for residents,” he said.
“We are now urging these community members to help us make this happen by signing the petition.
“The quickest way we can create an impact is to throw our support behind this campaign collectively.”
Wagga Business Chamber business manager Sally Manning urged the community to join the fight for economic and social growth in Wagga.
“Our city has a vibrant and thriving business sector, but to reach our potential and grow our economy, we need transport infrastructure that will underpin that growth and development,” she said.
“Businesses have identified the bridge duplication as critical to creating jobs and investment opportunities, so I urge community members to add their voices to this campaign.
“Wagga’s economic and lifestyle future is bright, but to make the most of it, we need to act now, so I look forward to the community sending a strong message to governments through this important petition.”
The petition can be found in businesses across the city, or at Dr McGirr’s office at 64 Baylis Street.
