Wagga Beach Riverside stage two project completed

It’s almost 400km from Wagga to the nearest coastline, so the opening of a new stage of the city’s ‘beach’ is a cause for celebration. See the photos here.

It’s almost 400km from Wagga to the nearest coastline, so the opening of a new stage of the city’s ‘beach’ is a cause for celebration.

Stage two of Wagga Beach - on the banks of the Murrumbidgee River - was officially opened on Tuesday, to the joy of the young, and the young at heart.

Riverina MP Michael McCormack, Wagga Mayor Dallas Tout and Nationals MP Wes Fang Member were on hand to launch the precinct to the general public.

Wagga’s riverside redevelopment, stage two. Picture: Supplied

Just five minutes from the CBD, the $9.9 million project includes a state-of-the-art playground with a new auditorium and will be a great location for festivals, food trucks, markets and more.

It was funded through a $5 million grant from the NSW Government’s Regional Growth Environment and Tourism Fund; $3.08 million from the Commonwealth Government’s Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Fund and $1.85 million from Wagga Wagga City Council.

A fun new playground now open to the public. Picture: Patrick Morrow

Mum Beth, who is new to Wagga, said she was super excited the precinct was now open and didn’t waste time getting in among the action with the kids.

“It is so great, I was thinking Wagga would not have parks like this so to have one like this is just perfect for the little ones,” she said.

Councillor Tout said he hoped the precinct would be great for locals and tourists alike, and said the project - which took 18 months to build - was worth the wait.

Mayor Dallas Tout speaking to the crowd at the launch. Picture: Patrick Morrow

“It was all worth it, the efforts put in by everyone in this project was great and the precinct provides a perfect balance of active space and peace and quiet relaxation which is important,” he said.

“It has been in council’s grand plans and to see it finally finished is so great for the community.

“It is an exciting milestone, I happened to notice people using the space yesterday and I obviously missed the pre-opening but it is great to see people enjoying what the precinct offers already.”

An aerial shot of the park. Picture: Supplied

Mr McCormack said it was a “great day for Wagga” and one that would “go down in the history books”.

Stage 2 of the #WaggaWagga Beach Riverside Project is open!

What a great recreational space for the #WaggaWagga community – especially children & the young at heart – for now & into the future with more than $3m Federal funding delivered, supported by all levels of government. pic.twitter.com/58bq3pzsIF

— Michael McCormack (@M_McCormackMP) June 14, 2022

“This facility does all of it in terms of showing the liveability of our great landmark in Wagga Beach and it shows why Wagga is the place to be,” Mr McCormack said.

Riverina MP Michael McCormack, Wagga Mayor Dallas Tout and Nationals MP Wes Fang unveil the plaque for the precinct. Picture: Patrick Morrow

“This is great and this was great work by all sets of government in getting this precinct ready to go.”

Mr Fang added: “I just want to acknowledge all the hard work by all three governments in providing this to the community, this is an excellent facility that will bring a sense of community and it will be great for our young people”.