THE state government has invested in Wagga’s justice system to relieve the crippling caseload squeezing visiting circuit judges.
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Tuesday’s announcement included funding for the city’s first full-time District Court judge, as well as $700,000 to round out the $19.5 million upgrade to the Wagga Courthouse.
The funding commitment comes one year after Judge Jennifer English spoke out about an increased caseload with fewer resources, telling The Daily Advertiser “there needs to be a full-time judge sitting here in Wagga”.
“This investment will see a full time permanent District Court judge in Wagga Wagga, which is great news for the Wagga community and regional justice services,” Attorney General Gabrielle Upton said.
The budget also delivered a shot in the arm for Wagga’s public health system, with $17.4 million to continue work at the Wagga Rural Referral Hospital and a six-way share of $40 million to increase “service capacity” following the redevelopment.
Despite just $900 million earmarked for transport projects in regional areas – compared to $36 billion for urban transport – money for the Riverina Intermodal Freight and Logistics (RIFL) Hub and levee bank was confirmed in black and white.
Wagga MP Daryl Maguire said cash for the RIFL Hub was a “game changer for Wagga Wagga businesses and transport operators wanting to move freight more efficiently to key markets”.
"It invests almost $5 million towards replacing Eunony Bridge at East Wagga and over $8 million will be allocated over the coming years to improve roads servicing the Bomen business park,” Mr Maguire said.
There was also $14.1 million set aside to continue work on the $70 million upgrade to Gocup Road between Gundagai and Tumut.
Culverts under Lockhart roads struggling under the weight of high mass vehicles will be upgraded to the tune of $3.57m.
The Hilltops Council – formerly Boorowa, Harden and Young – received $2.07m for road upgrades.
