A commemorative event was held last week to celebrate completion of the Botanic Gardens Precinct Renewal, and delivery of its final stage: the Lord Baden Powell Drive upgrade.

The event was attended by Wiradjuri/Wiradyuri Elder Aunty Mary Atkinson; 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 Precinct Renewal was jointly funded by local, state, and federal government, and comprised three individual stages collectively aimed at improving spatial connections, accessibility and safety for drivers and pedestrians alike in this part of the city.

The project also involved the guidance and input of Wiradjuri/Wiradyuri Elders and cultural knowledge holders, who were key to enhancing the precinct's overall cultural fabric in a way that meaningfully centres and celebrates the spirit of the land.

Stage 1 - completed in February 2023 - involved redevelopment of the Museum of the Riverina and was co-delivered with Stage 3 of the project, entitled Entwine, which saw the installation of low maintenance trails, gardens and additional community leisure areas to the precinct, plus an upgrade to zoo exhibits that share stories with museum displays.

The final stage required for project completion centred upon revitalising a 300-metre section at the western end of Lord Baden Powell Drive. Upgrades included both a resealing of the road, and improvements to surrounding infrastructure including the addition of new pedestrian crossings, median islands, safety features, and landscaping.

The refreshed infrastructure is now open to the public and is already delivering a safer, more accessible experience for those visiting or passing through this beautiful cultural precinct, whether on foot on in a vehicle.

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.

“At the heart of this Precinct Renewal has always been the goal of enhancing both the physical and cultural heritage experience for anyone visiting this truly special part of our city,” Cr Tout said.

“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.”

Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government, the Hon Catherine King noted that the Australian Government is equally committed to enhancing local infrastructure in regional areas.

“These improvements to the Botanic Gardens Precinct in Wagga Wagga will not only enhance the road condition and visibility for vehicular traffic and pedestrians but also provide better connectivity and accessibility for the community,” Minister King said.

These sentiments were echoed by Senator Deborah O’Neill, who represented Minister King at the event.

“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,” Senator O’Neill said.

“This upgrade is vital for all who live in and drive through the region in terms of safety and boosting the local economy during the project, through job creation.”