Archive for year: 2026
Project Update: Fibre Optic Symphonic Orchestra (FOSO) Opening Delayed
Project Update: Fibre Optic Symphonic Orchestra (FOSO) Opening Delayed
The opening of the Fibre Optic Symphonic Orchestra (FOSO) has been rescheduled to Friday 24 April 2026 following severe weather across the Wentworth and Mildura region.
Initially set to open for the 2026 Easter long weekend, the site has been heavily impacted by record rainfall in late February and early March. A deluge of approximately 250mm has resulted in boggy conditions and ground surface damage adjacent to the Perry Sandhills.
While the weather has impacted the construction programme, Bruce Munro’s Studio and supporting team are continuing to progress the installation of the 80 columns of light and complex fibre optic systems.
Key Information for Visitors
- New Opening Date: Friday 24 April 2026.
- Ticket Holders: Current ticket holders affected by the delay have been contacted.
- Enquiries: All ticketing changes and refund enquiries are being processed by the Mildura Visitor Information Centre on (03) 5018 8380.
- Easter Period: The Trail of Lights in Mildura remains open over the Easter period as a complementary experience.
Wentworth Shire Council and Mildura Rural City Council appreciate your patience as we work to ensure the long-term integrity of this world-class attraction. Read the full media release below.
NRAR steps up efforts to prevent water law breaches in the lower Murray
Wentworth Shire Council is sharing an important update from the NSW Government’s Natural Resources Access Regulator (NRAR) regarding water compliance for local irrigators and growers. As permanent plantings continue to expand in the lower Murray, NRAR is implementing an early-intervention approach to help licence holders manage challenges during dry periods.
Summary of the Update To prevent non-compliance when water availability tightens and prices increase, NRAR will be actively monitoring the region using satellite technology. The regulator is taking a low-tolerance approach to water-take offences but is providing fair warning, with plans to contact more than 300 licence holders with high-water-needs crops. Local growers are urged to review their water management obligations, prepare for adverse conditions, and ensure their accounts, orders, and meters are compliant.
Read the full NRAR media release (November 2025) below or visit https://qrco.de/permanent-plantings for more details.
Read the full media release below:
RAMJO appoints specialist consultant for 2026 Murray-Darling Basin Plan Review submission
RAMJO appoints specialist consultant for 2026 Murray-Darling Basin Plan Review submission
Wentworth Shire Council is a proud member of the Riverina and Murray Joint Organisation (RAMJO). As part of our ongoing commitment to advocating for our region’s water security and future, we are sharing RAMJO’s latest update regarding the 2026 Murray-Darling Basin Plan Review.
Summary of the Media Release
RAMJO has appointed Claire Miller Consulting to provide expert research, analysis, and drafting support as the organisation prepares its formal response to the 2026 Murray-Darling Basin Plan Review. This appointment aims to ensure RAMJO delivers a rigorous, evidence-based submission that reflects the priorities and socio-economic realities of Riverina and Murray communities. Working between February and April 2026, the consultant will assist member councils with policy issue mapping, stakeholder identification, and comprehensive socio-economic and environmental analysis.
Read the full media release below for more details.
Project Update: Dawn Avenue Open Space Upgrade Completed – Feedback Requested
Project Update: Dawn Avenue Open Space Upgrade Completed – Feedback Requested
Wentworth Shire Council is pleased to announce the successful completion of the Dawn Avenue Open Space and Public Shared Way in Gol Gol.
This project was delivered with the support of the NSW Government’s Resources for Regions (Round 9) programme. Since 2012, this initiative has provided vital infrastructure to regional communities, and the Dawn Avenue project represents a significant investment in the social and economic prosperity of the Gol Gol area.
Project Outcomes
The upgrade has transformed the area into a functional, natural landscape, featuring:
- A professionally landscaped drainage basin.
- New grassed areas for community recreation.
- A public shared way designed for safe, inclusive access.
Your Feedback is Required
To fulfil our government reporting obligations and evaluate the success of this project, Council is seeking immediate feedback from residents. Your input is essential in helping us understand how the space is utilised and will inform future strategic land planning and subdivision developments in the region.
Due to strict project completion and reporting deadlines, Council apologises for the short consultation period and greatly appreciates your assistance in meeting these requirements.
Submissions Close: Friday 27 February 2026, at 4:00 pm.
Complete the Survey: https://engage.wentworth.nsw.gov.au/open-space-upgrade-dawn-ave-gol-gol
Important Changes to Overseas Licence Conversions
Transport for NSW and Austroads have introduced new arrangements for transitioning overseas driver and motorcycle rider licences to Australian licences.
What has changed?
As of 1 February 2026, the arrangements for converting licences from certain countries have changed.
- List A (Recognised Countries): If you hold a valid car or rider licence from a “Recognised Country” (such as the UK, USA, New Zealand, or Canada), you generally do not need to pass a knowledge or driving test to convert your licence, provided your licence is current or expired within the last 5 years.
- List B (Formerly Experienced Driver Recognition): Drivers from jurisdictions on “List B” must now pass the Rider/Driver Knowledge Test and the Rider/Driving Test to obtain a NSW driver licence. The previous exemptions for experienced drivers from these countries have ceased.
Timelines for moving to NSW
- Permanent Residents: You must get a NSW driver licence within 3 months of living in NSW to continue driving or riding.
- Temporary Visitors: You must get a temporary NSW driver licence within 6 months of living in NSW to continue driving or riding.
Check your eligibility
Because the list of recognised countries and testing requirements has changed, we urge all overseas licence holders to check their specific status on the Service NSW website.
[Button/Link: Check Licence Eligibility at Service NSW]
Be Prepared: Rural Aid encourages farmers to register for support
Wentworth Shire Council is encouraging local primary producers to register with Rural Aid to ensure they are prepared for future challenges.
Rural Aid provides critical support to rural communities during times of storm, bushfire, flood, and drought. While many in the region may already be connected with the organisation, Rural Aid is urging those who are not yet registered to do so now.
Registering ahead of time ensures faster access to support for farmers and their families when disaster strikes. It also strengthens the collective voice of the farming community, allowing Rural Aid to advocate for greater assistance.
Services available to registered farmers include direct assistance, recovery programs, and mental health and wellbeing support.
To register, visit https://faa.ruralaid.org.au/ or call 1300 327 624 for more information.
Lights flash on buses to warn motorists that buses are picking up and dropping off children
Lights flash on buses to warn motorists that buses are picking up and dropping off children.
You must slow down to 40km/h when overtaking or passing a bus displaying flashing lights, unless a lower speed limit applies.
You can help keep children safe by:
🏫 Sticking to the speed limit and following the road rules in school zones
🚌 Slowing down to 40km/h when bus lights are flashing, unless a lower speed limit applies
🚸 Looking out for children crossing the road near bus stops, in school zones or along bus routes
⤴️ Giving way to buses when they merge back into traffic.
For more information visit: transport.nsw.gov.au/roadsafety/road-users/drivers/be-bus-aware