A significant boost is set to propel the development of the Lake Albert Water Sports and Event Precinct, with Wagga Wagga City Council securing a substantial federal grant of $4,493,776. This funding, granted under the Federal Government’s Growing Regions Program, marks a pivotal moment in the precinct’s advancement.
Mayor Dallas Tout of Wagga City expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “It’s fantastic. It’s something that’s been happening over a long period of time for the elected officials and staff. We’ve got the money, we’ve got the plan and now we’re going to move into detailed design and start working through that … and get this up and completed within about two years.”
Among the 40 successful applicants from Round One of the Growing Regions Program, Wagga Wagga City Council’s allocation will be utilized to enhance various aspects of the Lake Albert Water Sports and Event Precinct. This includes the installation of essential infrastructure such as pumps and pipes, remediation of the foreshore, and upgrades to the existing Lake Albert weir and spillway system.
Cr Tout outlined the scope of the project, indicating that the funding would be matched by the council for the construction of infrastructure facilitating the annual pumping of 1800 megalitres of water from the river to the lake. “It will also allow the remediation of more than two kilometres of foreshore to address erosion issues and upgrade the existing weir and spillway system,” he added.
The council’s contribution, totaling $8987 million, will be drawn from internal reserves previously designated for future infrastructure development. Ben Creighton, the council’s manager of city growth and regional assets, highlighted the significance of the funding announcement, emphasizing that it enables the realization of a long-planned project critical for maintaining water levels in Lake Albert.
“The pipeline will allow the council to deliver consistently high-level water to Lake Albert,” Mr Creighton remarked. “Lake Albert is an incredibly important asset to the city…and it’s been a focus for us to deliver this infrastructure and enable the water levels to be maintained.”
In addition to addressing infrastructure needs, the council remains dedicated to tackling the persistent algae issue at the lake. Mr Creighton revealed ongoing efforts, including a trial conducted over the summer, with results expected to inform future strategies in combating the algae problem.
Member for Riverina Michael McCormack hailed the funding allocation, underscoring its importance for community infrastructure development in Wagga Wagga, Cowra, and Parkes. He emphasized the significance of projects like the Lake Albert Water Sports and Event Precinct in bolstering regional socio-economic outcomes and priorities.
The Federal Government’s Growing Regions Program stands as a testament to the commitment to supporting regional and rural communities, providing vital resources for local government entities and not-for-profit organizations to realize impactful capital works projects.