Archive for month: May, 2026

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Take care driving in foggy conditions

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Transport for NSW (TfNSW) advises drivers in foggy conditions to significantly reduce speed, switch on low-beam headlights or fog lights, and increase the gap to the vehicle in front.
High-beam lights should never be used as they reflect off moisture and reduce visibility further.
Review these essential TfNSW safety practices for navigating safely through thick fog:
  • Turn on Your Lights: Use your low-beam headlights so other drivers can see you. If visibility is seriously reduced (under 100 metres), turn on your vehicle’s fog lights. Make sure to turn them off when conditions improve to avoid dazzling other drivers – it is also illegal to use fog lights when not foggy.
  • Slow Down: Reduce your speed to ensure you can stop safely within the distance you can actually see.
  • Increase Following Distance: Leave a larger gap between you and the vehicle ahead to allow for sudden stops. Standard safe distances should be doubled in adverse weather.
  • Avoid Sudden Movements: Brake gently and early to prevent skidding or causing a multi-vehicle collision.
  • Keep Windshields Clear: Use your wipers and vehicle defrosters to keep your view of the road as clear as possible.
  • Pull Over if Necessary: If visibility becomes dangerously low, pull over safely, turn on your hazard lights, and wait for conditions to improve.

Blue-green algae

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2026 Census (11 August 2026) – Every Answer Matters

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About the Census

Every five years, the Census counts every person and household in Australia.
Census data helps us understand how Australia is changing, and what we need now and in the future.
It shapes the services people use every day, like healthcare, education, public transport and community services.
That’s why the Australian Bureau of Statistics needs to hear from everyone who is in Australia on Census night, Tuesday 11 August 2026.

How to complete the Census

From late July, most households will get instructions with login information to complete the Census online at census.abs.gov.au

If you don’t get instructions by early August, you can request a Census number at census.abs.gov.au/help

You can request a paper form by visiting census.abs.gov.au/help or calling the ABS 24-hour automated paper form request service on 1800 130 250.

Some people in remote areas, and people experiencing homelessness, will be visited by Census staff.

The ABS will be offering Pop-up Hubs in public places, fill in the form sessions and information sessions from August.
Find out more at census.abs.gov.au/find-us

myGov users will have the option to subscribe to get updates and access the 2026 Census through myGov.
myGov is a simple and secure way to access government services online, all in one place. It will be just one way to access the 2026 Census. Find out more: info.census.abs.gov.au/about/myGov

Factsheet

This factsheet explains what the Census is, why it matters, and how to take part. Designed to be easy to understand and easy to share, it helps people to understand how they can complete the Census.

Download factsheet
Download Easy Read factsheet

Rural Road Safety Month – Animals on Country Roads

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Look out, animals about!
When driving in rural or regional areas, slow down,follow warning signs and stay alert – particularly around dusk or dawn.

More info https://www.transport.nsw.gov.au/roadsafety/road-users/drivers/animals

New Front End Recycling Facility now open at Buronga Landfill

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New Front End Recycling Facility now open at Buronga Landfill

Wentworth Shire Council is pleased to announce the opening of the Front End Recycling Facility at the Buronga Landfill.

This facility is designed to improve resource recovery and offer cost savings for residents. By utilising the Front End Recycling Facility, you can drop off eligible free-to-deposit items before your vehicle is weighed, reducing your overall waste disposal costs.

Items accepted at the Front End Recycling Facility prior to the weighbridge:

  • Cardboard
  • Co-mingle recycling
  • Scrap metal
  • Waste oil
  • Drum Muster containers
  • Community Recycling Centre items
  • Round Again reusable items

Community Recycling Centre

Provided by the Environment Protection Authority, the Community Recycling Centre is located within the facility for the safe disposal of problem household waste. Accepted items include fluorescent bulbs, water and oil-based paints, household and car batteries, fire extinguishers, gas bottles, aerosol cans, and non-motor oils.

Round Again Reusables

The facility accepts items for the Round Again programme. Items must be in clean and working order so they can be sold at Round Again.

Accepted items include:

  • Furniture, including outdoor settings, that is not broken, stained or torn.
  • Vintage items and collectables.
  • Sporting goods such as fishing rods, tackle boxes, cricket bats, tennis racquets, golf clubs and balls, soccer and footballs. 
  • Camping items and BBQs. 
  • Household items and bric-a-brac including pots, pans, dinner sets, cutlery, glasses, cups, and utensils. 
  • Paintings and pictures. 
  • Building materials including timber, steel, second-hand doors, security and screen doors, bricks, pavers, tiles, plumbing fixtures and fittings, and shade cloth. 
  • White paint, which Council reuses to paint surveyor pegs. 
  • CDs, DVDs, Blu-rays, records and cassettes. 
  • Mobility aids including walkers, crutches, toilet seats, and commode chairs. 
  • Garden items and tools, including cordless, rechargeable and petrol mowers, whipper snippers, plants, and empty pots. 
  • Children’s and adult bikes. 
  • Electrical wire and tools.
  • E-waste. 
  • Televisions, excluding very old Cathode Ray Televisions.
  • DVD, Blu-ray and CD players. 
  • Computers and PC monitors 24 inches and larger. 
  • Stereos and speakers. 
  • Xbox and PlayStation consoles and games. 

Items that are not accepted include children’s car seats, baby cots, mattresses, clothing, life jackets, bike and motorbike helmets, printers, and car and household batteries. Please note that batteries must be directed to the Community Recycling Centre.

Council thanks the community for their cooperation in sorting waste and supporting local recycling initiatives.

Draft Delivery Program 2026-2030 and Operational Plan 2026-2027

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Public Notice: Exhibition of Draft Delivery Program and Operational Plan

In accordance with the requirements of the Local Government Act 1993, notice is hereby given that Wentworth Shire Council has placed the following documents on public display for a period of 28 days:

  • Draft Delivery Program 2026-2030 (Year 2 of 4)
  • Draft Operational Plan 2026-2027, incorporating the:
    • Annual Statement of Revenue
    • Annual Fees and Charges Schedule

Where to view the documents:

Copies of these documents are available to view at the following locations:

Wentworth Shire Council Office: 61 Darling Street, Wentworth

Midway Service Centre: 3 Midway Drive, Buronga

Online: View the draft documents on the engage Wentworth & Surrounds website.

Have your say

Submissions may be made to Council in writing and must be received no later than Monday, 15 June 2026.

All submissions will be considered prior to the adoption of these documents at the June Council meeting on Wednesday 24 June 2026.

Submissions can be made in the following ways:

  • In person: At the Wentworth Shire offices listed above
  • By mail: PO Box 81, Wentworth NSW 2648
  • By email: council@wentworth.nsw.gov.au

All submissions will be considered prior to the adoption of these documents at the Council meeting on Wednesday, 24 June 2026.