Wodonga community encouraged to provide feedback on bike hub proposal

The Wodonga community is being encouraged to provide input on a CBD bike hub that is proposed for Junction Square to support cycling tourism, including toilets, change rooms, a bike repair station, lockers and - subject to funding - a change room for people with disabilities. An e-bike charger would also be investigated.

The proposed hub is on public exhibition for feedback from the community until 8th September.

Wodonga Council will apply for additional funding to convert the disabled toilet in the existing design into a “changing places” change room  for people with disabilities.

Wodonga Council would provide $150,000 towards the $240,000 construction cost, with the Victorian Government to provide $90,000 through the Department of Transport’s Flexible Local Transport Solutions Program.

The bike hub is proposed to be located on council-owned land at the Church St end of Junction Square.

The hub would be made from materials that complement the existing precinct, including recycled red brick and a galvanised steel roof.

Wodonga Mayor Kev Poulton said several sites had been considered and Junction Square was chosen because of its location, connection to shared pathways including the High Country Rail Trail, and potential to boost visitor numbers to the city.

Mayor Poulton advises “Junction Square is a space where our community gathers, bringing a great energy to the city. A bike hub could add to that activity, making it even more accessible and inclusive by bringing toilets and, subject to funding, a change room for adults with disabilities.

“Our community has a great connection to Junction Square and we want to hear what they think about this proposal.

“We encourage people to come along to see the plans and have a chat in person or to have their say online, in person or in writing. However you chose to do it, please make sure you have your say.”

Mayor Poulton said a CBD bike hub would be a great resource for local riders and help Wodonga tap into the growing cycling tourism market.

“Tourism North East estimates there are more than 100,000 visitors a year to North East Victoria who cycle and this number is increasing,” he said.

“Victoria’s High Country is a leading cycle tourism destination and attracts 103,000 cycle tourists a year, which injects $50 million into the region, and that’s predicted to grow to 255,000 visitors by 2025.

“This proposed bike hub is an opportunity to encourage them to add Wodonga to their trip and ride the beautiful 80km High Country Rail Trail, from Wodonga through Old Tallangatta and out to Shelley, along the shoreline of Lake Hume.”

If the CBD Bike Hub proposal goes ahead, work would start in January 2023 and be completed by June 2023.

Find out more and have your say at www.wodonga.vic.gov.au/Have-Your-Say; E: makewodongayours@wodonga.vic.gov.au

In person: Junction Square on Thursday, 1st September, from 3.30pm to 6pm or Friday, 2nd September, from 7.30am to 10am.

Write: Mark your letter “CBD Bike Hub proposal” and post to PO Box 923, Wodonga, 3689, or hand deliver to council’s offices at 104 Hovell St.