The Albanese Government is partnering with all levels of government to Build Australia's Future, with $7 million in federal funding supporting the delivery of recreational, tourism and education projects in the Albury Wodonga region.
Delivered as part of the Albanese Government's $80 million investment in the Albury Wodonga Regional Projects (AWRP) initiative, the new projects include:
- The Oddies Creek (Albury) Park Play Space
- The Wodonga Creek precinct development
- An Advanced Manufacturing Centre of Excellence (Wodonga TAFE)
Upgrades to the Oddies Creek Park in Albury include construction of a splash park, plant room and water treatment system, as well as fencing and gates, paths and landscaping.
The works respond to calls from the community to provide a free and safe family friendly splash park close to the river for residents and tourists. The $5 million project is being jointly funded by the Australian Government and the Albury City Council.
The splash park will be accessible from both sides of the Murray, enhancing tourism in the region as well as improving amenity and liveability for locals. Design works for the project will begin in early 2025, with completion expected in mid-2026.
The $5 million Wodonga Creek precinct development, jointly funded by the Albanese Government and Wodonga Council, will link the Wodonga central business area, Belvoir Park and Gateway Island through to Albury by connecting to the existing Wodonga pathways network.
Stronger connections between the town centre and Wodonga Creek will enable a range of tourism, leisure and economic opportunities. Planning and design has commenced, with construction commencing mid-2026.
The $2 million Advanced Manufacturing Centre of Excellence at Wodonga TAFE's Logic campus is fully funded by the Albanese Government - as part of the Government's commitment to investing in critical skills that will help with Building Australia's Future.
The facility will enable a tactile introduction to advanced manufacturing within a suite of labs, providing introductory programs and basic prototyping capabilities for small and medium enterprises. Construction will commence mid-2025.
These latest projects are being delivered alongside six other commitments funded through the AWRP initiative, with the Albanese Government also investing:
- $22 million for the Heavy Vehicle Technology Program at Wodonga TAFE
- $20 million towards infrastructure that supports better health outcomes
- $15 million towards housing for essential workers
- $10 million towards the Albury Entertainment Centre redevelopment
- $5 million for the Albury Airport Western precinct expansion
- $1 million for First Nations priority projects
A further investment of $15 million from the NSW Government and $6.5 million from the Albury City Council brings the total investment for the Albury Entertainment Centre redevelopment to $31.5 million.
Quotes attributable to Federal Minister for Regional Development and Local Government, Kristy McBain MP:
"The Albanese Government continues to partner with all levels of government to deliver region-shaping infrastructure, with these latest projects to have a lasting impact in the Albury Wodonga region.
"These projects will expand tourism opportunities, improve local amenities, and support the region to gain and retain skills in advanced manufacturing - an industry critical to Building Australia's Future."
Quotes attributable to Minister for Regional NSW Tara Moriarty:
"With the Oddies Creek Splash Park added to the Albury Wodonga Regional Projects we are seeing the delivery of a diverse network of attractions and economic drivers that will invigorate local tourism and business prospects across the Murray region.
"These projects aren't just about building facilities; they're about strengthening community ties and supporting economic growth for residents on both sides of the border.
"Together with Albury City Council, the Australian and NSW governments are positioning Albury as a hub for regional growth and enriching the lives of residents in the greater Albury-Wodonga area."
Quotes attributable to Minister for Regional Development Victoria Jaclyn Symes:
"Our investment in Wodonga is creating jobs and growing the local economy - while supporting education, sport and tourism opportunities."
Quotes attributable to Federal Labor Senator for NSW, Deborah O'Neill:
"Oddies Creek Park is already a much-loved destination in Albury, attracting more than 200,000 visitors a year - which is why we're investing in its future.
"Our $2.5 million investment in this splash park responds to community feedback, and is another example of the Albanese Government's commitment to investing in local priority projects in NSW."
Quotes attributable to Federal Labor Senator for Victoria, Lisa Darmanin:
"TAFE changes lives. I'm thrilled that the Albanese Government is supporting people in the Wodonga region to retrain close to home, while also learning critical skills that build Australia's future.
"The Wodonga Creek has a lot to offer to the community. Our $2.5 million investment will provide new leisure opportunities for locals and attract more visitors to the region, strengthening the local tourism industry."
Quotes attributable to Albury City Council Mayor Kevin Mack:
"Albury City welcomes formal confirmation of this funding from the Australian Government to help us bring the Oddies Creek splash park project to life.
"A key element of the recently endorsed Murray River Experience Masterplan and a much-needed facility which our community, particularly young people and families, have been seeking for some time, the splash park project offers significant local and regional tourism potential.
"It brings us closer to achieving our community's vision for Albury to be a nationally significant regional city that is vibrant, diverse, innovative and connected, and inspired by its culture, environment and location on the Murray River."
Quotes attributable to Wodonga Council Mayor Michael Gobel:
"Wodonga Council welcomes this federal investment; this type of support is not just an economic driver, it's an investment in our residents and community.
"Tourism, recreation and education are pillars of a thriving city and these projects, including the Wodonga Creek precinct development and the development of the Advanced Manufacturing Centre of Excellence, will open doors to new opportunities for our youth, local businesses and ensure Wodonga remains a dynamic place to live and grow."
