COMMUNITY URGED TO SIGN GOBBA PETITION
Local people are encouraged to lend their voices to a campaign to duplicate the Gobba Bridge by signing a new petition that will be presented to parliament by the Independent Member for Wagga Wagga, Dr Joe McGirr.
With the support of the Wagga Business Chamber and Committee 4 Wagga, the petition calls on the government to immediately begin the process of building a new bridge.
It is being distributed to spearhead Dr McGirr’s long-running advocacy for the bridge duplication so that Wagga will have transport infrastructure to meet current and future needs.
“Anyone who crosses the bridge at busy times knows that congestion is already a major challenge and that that will only worsen as the city continues to grow, particularly in the city’s north,” Dr McGirr said.
“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 the next stage, which is why it’s important as many people as possible to sign the petition.
“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.”
Congestion on the bridge was the top-rated community concern in Transport for NSW’s Northern Access consultation process and a priority now is to ensure the issue is included in the department’s Southern Regional Integrated Transport Strategy which will form a blueprint for the future of local transport development.
Committee 4 Wagga CEO Scott Sanbrook said the petition offered the community an opportunity to drive change for the future.
“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 to make this happen by signing the petition.
“The quickest way we can create an impact is to collectively throw our support behind this campaign.”
Wagga Business Chamber’s 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.