$29.18 million boost for Wagga Wagga's inland port transformation
Wagga Wagga will soon be home to a world-class business precinct and inland freight and logistics hub thanks to the NSW Liberals and Nationals in Government who announced a further $29.18 million in funding today.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW John Barilaro today announced the funding while visiting three businesses in Bomen as part of a trade mission to showcase the Riverina/Murray region’s Advanced Manufacturing capability.
Mr Barilaro said the new funding will allow the development of essential heavy vehicle road links, water and data connections for Wagga Wagga’s inland port.
“This funding will be used to build infrastructure to complement the existing Bomen Business Park and support the Special Activation Precinct and Riverina Intermodal Freight and Logistics Hub, ensuring access to the everyday essentials businesses need to thrive in Wagga Wagga,” Mr Barilaro said.
“Our long-term vision for the region is to make Wagga Wagga even more attractive to local and international businesses across a range of key sectors, boosting the local economy and helping to create more jobs and opportunities for generations to come.
“A share of the $29.18 million will go toward upgrades to internet connections for numerous businesses already located in Bomen Business Park.
“Operators at Bomen tell us the services available are not fast or reliable enough to use digital-based technology to run their businesses, access information, or conduct trade.
“We’re listening, investing and finding ways to improve internet and data connections for Wagga Wagga - we are currently investigating new designs for data hubs and fibre cables and if these are successful, they could be replicated around the state.
“Improved internet connections will revolutionise the way existing businesses such as Proway, Southern Oil, Teys and Great Southern Electrical function and provide them the opportunity to cut costs, boost revenue and bring on more staff in the short-term,” he said.
Mayor of the City of Wagga Wagga, Councillor Greg Conkey OAM, thanked the NSW Government for the funding.
“This announcement today brings us a step closer to the transformation of the Bomen Business Park and surrounds into a thriving Special Activation Precinct,” Councillor Conkey said.
“This project will help local businesses reap the benefits that the Inland Rail will deliver to our city, with the direct benefit of creating work for Wagga Wagga’s growing community and ensuring a strong future for the wider southern NSW region.
“This is an exciting time for Wagga Wagga and we are delighted to have the support of the NSW Government to make this all happen.”
The $500 million Growing Local Economies Fund is part of the NSW Government’s commitment to the delivery of infrastructure projects which improve the productivity and competitiveness of the state under Restart NSW.
Growing Local Economies is one of the programs in the $1.7 billion Regional Growth Fund, which is delivering the economic, infrastructure and lifestyle improvements that make regional NSW a great place to live, work and play.
For more information, visit: www.nsw.gov.au/regionalgrowth.