The Wallan community is invited to help shape a lasting legacy of the Watson Street Interchange Upgrade, with residents encouraged to have their say on the theme of a new public art installation that will celebrate the area's identity, landscape and community spirit.
The Watson Street Interchange Upgrade project is not only improving how people move through Wallan — it is also creating a lasting legacy shaped by the community. As part of the project, a new landscaped rest area will be delivered along Watson Street, providing a place for people to rest, connect with others and enjoy the surrounding environment.
The space will support walking and cycling and incorporate landscaping, seating, a public art installation by a local or regionally connected artist, and interpretive signage sharing the history and environment of the area.
The public art installation will create a permanent feature connected to one of the Wallan’s most significant transport upgrades, reflecting the stories, people and landscapes that make Wallan unique. Interpretive signage share local stories and provide an opportunity for residents and visitors to learn more about the area’s history and environment.
As major construction progresses on the Watson Street Interchange Upgrade, community members are being given the opportunity to contribute to a legacy artwork and rest area that will form part of the project's lasting benefit to Wallan.
The ‘Have Your Say’ campaign will gather community feedback to inform the artwork's theme and direction, ensuring local voices help shape the outcome.
Residents are encouraged to get involved now by casting their vote and completing a short online survey via the project website before 5 July.
Locals are invited to take part in a survey and provide feedback on three proposed themes:
- Local history – celebrating Wallan’s rich past, including early transport routes, farming history, landmarks and the town’s growth over time
- Native flora and fauna – highlighting the natural environment, including local plants, trees, birds and wildlife, and the connection between the community and surrounding open spaces
- People and culture – celebrating the diverse people and cultures that make up the Wallan community, including shared experiences, local identities, events and traditions
The survey also encourages community members to share ideas about what best represents Wallan, suggest a name for the new rest area, and provide feedback on how they currently use the space — whether walking, cycling or travelling through the area.
Feedback will be used to inform the final design, ensuring the space reflects the values, character and identity of the Wallan community.
Once a theme is selected, artists will be invited to submit an expression of interest. An assessment panel comprising representatives from the project, Mitchell Shire Council, and other stakeholders will help select a preferred artist to bring the community's vision to life.
The legacy artwork will complement the Watson Street Interchange Upgrade, a jointly funded Australian and Victorian Government project that is transforming access to and from the Hume Freeway.
Currently under construction, the upgrade will convert Watson Street into a full diamond interchange through the addition of a new outbound exit ramp and inbound entry ramp, improving safety, reducing congestion and supporting Wallan's continued growth.
When complete, the upgraded interchange will strengthen connections between the Hume Freeway, Wallan town centre and the Wallan East industrial precinct, making journeys safer and more reliable for local residents, businesses, freight operators and visitors.
The legacy artwork will stand as a lasting reminder of this important investment in Wallan's future, celebrating the community's contribution to shaping both the project and the place it serves.
To have your say and learn more, visit the Watson Street Interchange Legacy page.
Find out more about the Watson Street Interchange Upgrade.