The public gallery was packed as PCYC chief executive Dominic Teakle made a final appeal to councillors to help fund the project.

“We’re putting our very best into Wagga to benfit generations of young people,” Mr Teakle said.

“We do so much more than just a ‘police boys club’… what price can you put on a youth’s advantage for a lifetime?”

The PCYC had called on council to contribute $3 million to the $18 million Fitzhardinge Street project, in order to get the “desperately needed” facility across the line. 

An impassioned speech from deputy mayor Dallas Tout helped seal the deal, challenging his colleagues to “walk the walk” on tackling youth crime.

“This will impact the future of our youth and the community in general,” he said.

“We can’t continue to complain about youth crime and not contribute. This will send a strong message to (state and federal governments) that council has put its money where its mouth is, now it’s your turn.”

Some councillors had been concerned the city would either have to take out a loan to finance the funding, or reduce services, but a commitment from Mr Teakle to take on Bolton Park’s indoor sports appeared to help justify the funding.

“We work hard to raise funds, but every dollar we raise goes back into the kids,” Mr Teakle said. “You want me to do this.”

Member for Wagga Daryl Maguire said the amount asked of council was a long way short of state and federal contributions.

“Seven million (each) from the state and federal governments and only $3 million from council is reasonable,” Mr Maguire said.

“Normally when funding these projects, we ask dollar for dollar.”

Two weeks ago, acting council general manager Robert Knight revealed PCYC had held discussions with staff about the proposal all year.