The federal government has announced $7 million in funding to support recreational, tourism and education projects in the Albury Wodonga region.
Delivered as part of the federal 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 federal 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 federal 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.
The federal government said that stronger connections between the town centre and Wodonga Creek will enable a range of tourism, leisure and economic opportunities. Planning and design have commenced, with construction set to begin in mid-2026.
The $2 million Advanced Manufacturing Centre of Excellence at Wodonga TAFE’s Logic campus is fully funded by the federal government – as part of its 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 federal 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 New South Wales Government and $6.5 million from the Albury City Council brings the total investment for the Albury Entertainment Centre redevelopment to $31.5 million.
Federal Minister for Regional Development and Local Government, Kristy McBain, said that the federal 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,” Minister McBain said.
New South Wales Minister for Regional NSW, Tara Moriarty, said that with the Oddies Creek Splash Park added to the Albury Wodonga Regional Projects, the state government is seeing to 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,” Minister Moriarty said.
“Together with Albury City Council, the federal and New South Wales governments are positioning Albury as a hub for regional growth and enriching the lives of residents in the greater Albury-Wodonga area.”
Albury City Council Mayor, Kevin Mack, said that Albury City welcomes formal confirmation of this funding from the federal government to help 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,” Mayor Mack said.
“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.”
Wodonga Council Mayor, Michael Gobel, said that Council welcomes this federal investment, and that this type of support is not just an economic driver; it’s an investment in 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.”
