VOICES RING OUT IN CALL FOR BRIDGE DUPLICATION

Community voices for a better transport future for Wagga are growing, with about 3,400 people signing a petition calling on the government to duplicate the Gobba Bridge. 

The petition, organised by the Independent Member for Wagga Wagga Dr McGirr and supported by Committee 4 Wagga (C4W) and the Wagga Business Chamber, is being circulated at businesses across the city. 

In a further boost, the petition is also being provided to residents by Wagga Wagga City Council and the Lockhart, Coolamon and Junee councils at their various offices and facilities. 

Dr McGirr said the strong response showed the depth of community determination to have the bridge duplicated so it can meet present and future transport needs. 

“To gather so many signatures – with more still circulating in the community - in just a little over a month shows that the project is incredibly important, not only to the Wagga community but also to people in outlying towns who use the bridge and can see its current limitations,” Dr McGirr said. 

“If we can collect 10,000 signatures, there will be a debate in parliament which will be a powerful way of pressing the case for this crucial development. 

“We are off to a great start, so I urge anyone who has not yet signed to do so, because every voice will count as we lobby the government to get the work started.” 

Dr McGirr thanked C4W, the Business Chamber and the participating councils for their support and encouragement. 

“It quickly became clear that the petition struck a real chord within Wagga but my office also received representations from people outside the city who wanted to add their voices to the campaign,” he said. 

“The support of the councils is very welcome, adding extra avenues to gain signatures, and I hope the signature count continues to grow so we can leave the government in no doubt about the need to make this investment in our region’s future.”    

The petition is being circulated in hard copy form to meet the criteria of a debate triggered by 10,000 signatures but it can also be downloaded and printed at https://joemcgirr.com.au/ 

Signed petitions can be returned to Dr McGirr’s office at 64 Baylis Street. 

Meanwhile, Transport for NSW is seeking community feedback on its Riverina-Murray Strategic Regional Integrated Transport Plan and Dr McGirr urged community members to have their say and express support for the duplication to be a central part of the plan.