July 2021 Newsletter
WELCOME TO OUR JULY NEWSLETTER
In this newsletter there are important updates on:
WWCC vote on rail trail development in Wagga
Riverside Revegetation Planting Day coming up
It’s time to act!
On Monday 26th July, Councillors will vote on the motion that “Wagga Wagga City Council give in principle support to the development of rail trails in the Wagga Wagga Local Government Area.”
This is a hugely important vote that will determine whether we can take the next step, to apply for funds and approval to build the Wagga Rail Trail in the near future.
To ensure that Councillors understand the depth of community support for local rail trails, we ask that you email all Councillors and tell them how important this issue is to you, and ask them to vote for the motion.
This vote was brought about by a community petition that was presented to the Mayor, in response to the NSW Government acknowledgement that the Tumbarumba to Rosewood pilot rail trail has been a huge success.
As a result of this success, the NSW Government is now accepting applications for funding for rail trail projects that are driven by a local Council, have overwhelming community support, demonstrate a viable business model and show evidence of community consultation.
It is time that Wagga Wagga City Council listened to our community and actively supported the development of rail trails in our local area.
Please contact all Councillors by sending an email to councillors@wagga.nsw.gov.au. This will ensure that all Councillors will receive the same email at the same time.
Either write your own email, cut and paste the sample text below, or modify and personalise this text:
Dear Councillor,
I live in[Town]and am deeply concerned about the lack of rail trails in NSW, and particularly in the Wagga Wagga district.
Rail trails have been shown to create jobs, stimulate local economies and provide passive recreation opportunities which promote social, health and tourism benefits for communities.
Wagga Wagga has made a great start with construction of the Active Travel pathways, and with the Tumbarumba to Rosewood Rail Trail nearby, visitors are looking for complimentary trails. Let’s give them a reason to stay and explore Wagga by bike!
I want to live in a city that is progressive, sustainable and enables my family to enjoy a healthy, safe and active lifestyle. A rail trail is the missing infrastructure that would improve the liveability of our City.
I would like you to acknowledge the overwhelming level of community support for rail trails and vote to give in principle support for the development of rail trails in the Wagga Local Government Area, at the Council meeting on Monday 26thJuly.
Approving rail trail development in our region would definitely make Wagga Wagga a better place to live.
Sincerely,
[Name, Town]
Let’s get planting!
Community members are invited to don boots and gloves and lend a hand at our Riverside Revegetation Planting Day on Sunday, 25th July from 10am – 12 noon.
Joining with members from Wagga Wagga Urban Landcare, volunteers will weed, plant and spread mulch around native grasses and shrubs alongside what will ultimately become the first section of the Wagga Rail Trail.
The planting day builds on a revegetation project started last year to restore native vegetation and improve the health of the Murrumbidgee River ecosystem alongside the levee bank cycleway near the railway viaduct.
Re-establishing native vegetation along the trail will also make the trail experience more appealing for users by reducing weeds, stabilising and protecting the levee bank from erosion and improving habitat for local fauna.
If you’re passionate about making the Wagga Rail Trail a fabulous place to walk, run or cycle, then dust off your gardening gloves and lend a hand for a couple of hours.