Wodonga’s reputation as a modern regional centre with a proud historic heart will be enhanced with two green spaces, Richardson Park and the new Sidings Park, as part of the Wodonga City Heart Infrastructure Project.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said the Federal Liberal and Nationals Government’s $10 million contribution to the City Heart project is part of its ongoing investment in the liveability of regional cities.
"Australia’s regions are the nation’s economic powerhouses and Wodonga particularly has a rich history as one of Australia’s largest inland cities, so this project is about recognising the past while investing for the future," Mr McCormack said.
"This stage of the larger City Heart project has already supported 50 construction jobs, with another 30 ongoing roles to be created in the commercial district in Sidings Park – a great result for Wodonga’s economic future."
Senator for Victoria Jane Hume said the well-designed and accessible parks reflect the importance of green spaces in regional communities.
"Richardson Park is an open grassy space with an interactive water feature making it ideal for families, while Sidings Park has a business focus, with a number of food and drink vendors to pop up here," Senator Hume said.
"I am particularly pleased Wodonga has given its railway and beef cattle heritage a nod in the redevelopment."
The new spaces will be heavily used by locals and visitors alike. Breathing new life into public areas lifts community pride and creates a vibrancy and greater community engagement.
These parks will also become drawcards for the local tourism industry because they contain such excellent examples of public art that reference Wodonga’s past.
The Federal Government’s investment in Wodonga’s CBD has changed it forever creating a visibly vibrant city heart for Wodonga.
Mayor of Wodonga Council Anne Speedie said Richardson Park has been embraced by the community and offers a fantastic green space in the city centre that complements Junction Square.
"It is important to recognise how it links to our story with the continuation of the Richardson name in a prominent place in our CBD as well as the wonderful horse play piece by Xavier Pinard, which is a nod to the site’s rail and saleyards history," Cr Speedie said.
"We look forward to continuing to see how people use and enjoy this space, move into the station precinct and to the new Sidings Park."
The Federal Liberal and Nationals Government is investing $10 million in the Wodonga City Heart under the Building Better Regions Fund.This is a $641 million investment designed to create jobs, drive economic growth and build stronger regional communities into the future.
The Victorian Government is contributing $2 million to the project with Wodonga City Council providing the remaining $8,764,660.
