IMPORTANT STEP IN GOBBA CAMPAIGN

 The push to duplicate the Gobba Bridge has taken an important step forward, with its inclusion in a major plan for the future of local transport services over the next 20 years. 

The Independent Member for Wagga Wagga, Dr Joe McGirr, said the inclusion of the need to assess the capacity of the bridge in the draft Riverina-Murray Strategic Regional Integrated Transport Plan (SRITP) was a significant step that paved the way for further development of the proposal. 

“Transport for NSW is now calling for public feedback on the draft plan, and I urge everyone who would like to build this bridge to Wagga’s future to provide comments in support of the duplication,” he said. 

“The plan will be integral to our future and it’s important that we maintain the pressure on the government to duplicate the bridge by providing feedback that will shape the final draft of the SIRPT. 

“I look forward to debating the issue in parliament this year, thanks to the 10,000-plus people who signed our “Bridge to the Future” petition, so now is the time for our community to formalise their support of a new bridge in response to the draft plan.” 

The petition will be debated in the Legislate Assembly on 17 September in what will be an important opportunity to remind the government of the importance of the project. 

Dr McGirr thanked all those who signed the petition and acknowledged the support of Committee for Wagga and the Wagga Business Chamber in helping to gather the required signatures in less than six months. 

“In further encouraging news, the plan also references the potential need for new train timetables that suit travellers from our region rather than just those in Sydney, so I look forward to pressing that case as discussions continue,” he said. 

“I encourage community members to have their say on the plan, with an emphasis on the need for the Gobba duplication, so that we can maintain momentum on the transport developments we will need to meet our future needs.” 

Community members can have their say on the SRIPT at https://www.haveyoursay.nsw.gov.au/sritp/riverina-murray