Archive for year: 2026
New Statewide Community Participation Plan comes into effect
The NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure has finalised a new statewide Community Participation Plan, which will come into effect on Tuesday 1 September 2026.
The Statewide Community Participation Plan replaces the Wentworth Shire Council’s current Community Participation Plan. It has been introduced to standardise public consultation requirements and exhibition timeframes for planning functions across all of New South Wales.
Residents and stakeholders are encouraged to familiarise themselves with how they can participate in planning decisions that affect their local area.
While Wentworth Shire Council will continue to engage with the community on planning matters relevant to our local area, public exhibition periods and participation requirements will now be governed by the Statewide CPP.
Please note:
- Wentworth Shire Council is not responsible for preparing or approving the Statewide Community Participation Plan.
How to view the plan
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Online: View the new statewide plan.
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In person: A copy of the plan is available to view upon request at Council’s administrative office, located at 61 Darling Street in Wentworth.
If you have any questions regarding how these changes apply locally, please contact Council’s Health and Planning department on (03) 5027 5027 or via email at council@wentworth.nsw.gov.au.
It’s not too late to complete the 2026 Census
It’s not too late to complete the 2026 Census.
The Australian Bureau of Statistics team will be at the Wentworth Show on Saturday 29 August between 11:30am and 2:30pm.
The team will be available to assist in completing the 2026 Census.
For further information regarding the Census, call 1800 181 227 or go to census.abs.gov.au
Board Member Opportunity – Bottle Bend Reserve Land Manager
The following information is shared on behalf of the NSW Government Crown Land Reserves Business Centre Team:
Application for Appointment of Board Members
Bottle Bend Reserve Land Manager
Ever wondered who is responsible for keeping Crown reserves operating?
Countless facilities like showgrounds, local halls and parks are run by Statutory Land Manager Boards, made up of people just like you. People who understand the need and have a desire to manage public land and assets for the benefit of the entire community.
Your role as a Board Member is voluntary, but the rewards of giving something back to the community are priceless.
We are looking for a good mix of people with a variety of skills, however, sound business and financial management skills and objective decision-making expertise would be a distinct advantage.
Don’t let this opportunity to do something for yourself and your community pass you by – contact us today.
The Bottle Bend Reserve Land Manager manages the Reserve No. 1028348 at Gol Gol notified on 2-Jul-2010 for Nature Conservation. The term of appointment will be for a period not exceeding 5 years.
Application for membership can be made via portal.crownland.nsw.gov.au
All applications are required to be lodged by 3-Oct-2026.
For further information contact Donovan Cornwell on 02 6883 3312 or go to www.crownland.nsw.gov.au/reserve-manager
Wentworth Transfer Station – Green Waste Drop-Off Closed
Please be advised that the green waste drop-off area at the Wentworth Transfer Station is temporarily closed due to wet and unsafe ground conditions.
All other waste disposal areas at the facility remain open for public use. Council apologises for any inconvenience.
Rural Road Safety Month – Fatigue
Driving long stretches across Wentworth Shire is part of daily life, but long shifts, early starts, and repetitive open roads take a quiet toll behind the wheel.
August is Rural Road Safety Month, and this week the focus is on driver fatigue. Tired driving is far more dangerous than most people realise—fatigue-related crashes are almost three times as likely to be fatal compared to crashes where fatigue isn’t a factor.
It’s easy to assume fatigue only affects tourists on long road trips, but local context tells a different story: 83% of all fatal crashes on NSW country roads involve local country residents. Exhaustion sneaks up on everyday commutes and familiar routes, leading to micro-sleeps, slowed reaction times, and reduced alertness.
Recognising the early warning signs—heavy eyes, frequent yawning, or failing to remember the last few kilometres—can save your life. Driver fatigue can’t be fixed by turning up the radio or opening a window.
Steps to prevent fatigue on country roads:
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Plan rest breaks: Stop for a 15-minute break every two hours on long trips.
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Recognise the signs: If you feel drowsy, pull over in a safe location or switch drivers immediately.
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Prioritise sleep: Avoid embarking on long drives after a full working day or without a full night’s rest.
Road safety is everyone’s responsibility. Rest before you hit the road, take breaks when needed, and help ensure everyone arrives home safely.
For more information and resources, visit the NSW Government’s Centre for Road Safety website: https://www.transport.nsw.gov.au/roadsafety
Rural Road Safety Month – NSW Country Roads
Driving across Wentworth Shire comes with unique risks, and knowing a road like the back of your hand doesn’t make anyone immune to danger.
August is Rural Road Safety Month, and Week 1 focuses on NSW Country Roads. Did you know that 83% of all fatal crashes on NSW country roads involve local residents? That’s 4 out of 5 fatal crashes involving country locals. It’s easy to feel safe on familiar stretches, but overconfidence behind the wheel can cost lives.
Speeding isn’t just about driving well over the posted limit—it’s also about driving too fast for local conditions like dirt, gravel, rain, or glare. Lowering speed gives drivers crucial seconds to react to unexpected hazards around the bend, whether it’s livestock, potholes, or farm machinery.
Road safety is everyone’s responsibility, so drivers are urged to check their speed this week and help ensure everyone gets home safely.
For more information and resources, visit the NSW Government’s Centre for Road Safety website: https://www.transport.nsw.gov.au/roadsafety
Shared Path Construction – Cadell Street, Wentworth
SHARED PATH CONSTRUCTION – CADELL STREET, WENTWORTH
Dates: Monday 17 August – Sunday 6 November
Location: Cadell Street, Wentworth
Construction will commence on a new 2.1-metre-wide shared concrete path along Cadell Street, Wentworth. This project will provide safe pedestrian and cyclist access directly to Junction Park.
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Traffic control will be active for the duration of the works.
Motorists, pedestrians, and cyclists are requested to follow on-site signage, adhere to temporary speed limits, and obey instructions from traffic controllers. Property access for residents will be maintained throughout construction, though minor delays may occur.
Road users are advised to allow extra travel time and exercise caution when travelling through these work zones.