Key representatives of the event outside the Museum of the Riverina (Botanic Gardens)

OFFICIAL OPENING: Present at the Botanic Gardens Precinct Renewal official opening was (from left) Hon Michael McCormack MP, Federal Member for Riverina, Senator for NSW Deborah O'Neill, Wiradjuri/Wiradyuri Elder Aunty Mary Atkinson, Mayor of the City of Wagga Wagga Councillor Dallas Tout, and representative for Botanic Gardens Precinct Renewal contractors Dion Calvi.

Projects & Works

Botanic Gardens Precinct and Dunns Road upgrades celebrated with official openings

Published: 26 Apr 2024 10:43am

Commemorative events were held this week to mark formal completion of two significant infrastructure projects in the Wagga Wagga region: the Botanic Gardens Precinct Renewal and Dunns Road Upgrade.

The two events were attended by Senator for NSW Deborah O'Neill, in representation of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister, the Hon Catherine King, the Hon Michael McCormack MP, Mayor of the City of Wagga Wagga Councillor Dallas Tout, Councillors, staff and other valued stakeholders.

The Botanic Gardens Precinct Renewal – jointly funded by local, state, and federal government, and now finalised with the completed Stage 2; the upgrade of Lord Baden Powell Drive – formed part of a three-stage project aimed at improving spatial connections, accessibility and safety for drivers and pedestrians alike in the Botanic Gardens Precinct.

Newly installed pathway beside an upgraded road — **BEST FOOT FORWARD** The project aimed to improve pedestrian safety access, traffic flow and improve the overall visitor experience to connect the Museum of The Riverina within the Botanic Gardens precinct.

Mayor of the City of Wagga Wagga Councillor Dallas Tout remarked that the successfully delivered project represents a meaningful commitment from government at all levels, to enrich this valued community space in more important ways than one.

“These upgrades now play a key role in fostering improved long-term connectivity between the Museum of the Riverina and the Botanic Gardens, while also contributing to greater safety for motorists and pedestrians accessing the area,” Cr Tout said.

Meanwhile, the Dunns Road Upgrade – reopened to motorists in late March 2024, and funded by the Australian Government with contributions from Wagga Wagga City Council and the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program – is already delivering a smoother, safer driving experience for those accessing the city from the south.

A resealed rural road — **DUNN AND DONE** The Dunns Road project has achieved its final milestone, with all sections of the upgrade – including a new roundabout where it meets Holbrook Road, and a freshly sealed intersection at its juncture with the Olympic Highway – now reopen to the public.

The project's key components included sealing of a 3.3km section of the road, upgrade of the Olympic Highway and Dunns Road intersection, and construction of a roundabout at the Holbrook Road and Dunns Road intersection.

These improvements will enable Dunns Road to safely accommodate up to 1000 vehicles daily and improves accessibility to the southern suburbs from the Olympic Highway.

Senator Deborah O’Neill noted that the completed upgrade of Dunns Road is a wonderful outcome for Wagga Wagga and the Riverina.

“Wagga Wagga is a key hub for national agriculture, trade, military, sport, tourism and culture and it is important that the Australian Government continues to support the development of its infrastructure.”

To find out more about the projects visit haveyoursay.wagga.nsw.gov.au