National Road Safety Week 2026 (17-24 May)

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From Sunday 17 May to Sunday 24 May, Wentworth Shire Council is proudly supporting National Road Safety Week 2026. This important annual initiative, created by the Safer Australian Roads and Highways (SARAH) Group and supported by Transport for NSW, reminds us all that road safety is everyone’s responsibility.

Tragically, around 1,350 lives are lost on Australian roads each year. This week is a time to remember those we have lost, support those affected by road trauma, and commit to making our roads safer for our entire community.

Take the Road Safety Pledge

We are encouraging all residents across the Wentworth Shire to make a personal commitment to road safety. Head to roadsafetyweek.com.au to take the pledge:

  • I pledge to drive as if my loved ones are on the road ahead.
  • I will remove all distractions and never use my mobile phone while driving.
  • I will not put other people at risk by speeding, driving while tired, or under the influence of alcohol/drugs.
  • I will protect all vulnerable road users, especially those whose job places them in harm’s way, by slowing down and giving them the space they need to be safe.

2026 Daily Themes

Throughout the week, we will be focusing on different aspects of road safety. We ask our community to keep these in mind:

  • Sunday 17 May: Remember the 1350 – A moment to remember the 1350 lives lost annually on Australian roads.
  • Monday 18 May: Make the pledge – Road safety is everyone’s responsibility.
  • Tuesday 19 May: Be mindful of young people on our roads – Speak to your young drivers about safe driving behaviours.
  • Wednesday 20 May: Travel the road to kindness – Choose kindness and consideration on the road.
  • Thursday 21 May: Refresh your road rules knowledge – Check you’re up to date with the road rules in NSW.
  • Friday 22 May: Plan your journey – Plan for a stress-free trip. (This day also coincides with Walk Safely to School Day, encouraging primary school kids and their families to walk safely to school).
  • Saturday 23 May: Drive safely on regional roads – A vital reminder for our local community to take extra care on regional country roads.
  • Sunday 24 May: Yellow ride/walk/scoot – Share the road or path safely with riders and pedestrians.

How You Can Get Involved

  • Take the pledge online: Add your name to the tens of thousands of Australians committing to safer driving.
  • Walk Safely to School: On Friday 22 May, leave the car at home and walk with your children to school to teach them vital road safety skills.
  • Show your yellow: Keep an eye out for yellow ribbons and merchandise to show your support for road safety.

Let’s work together to protect our loved ones and drive the road toll Towards Zero.

For more information, resources, or to take the pledge, visit roadsafetyweek.com.au.

Transport for NSW Safety Improvement Work: Silver City & Sturt Highways

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Wentworth Shire Council is sharing the following information on behalf of Transport for NSW.

Transport for NSW is investing $1.2 million to install 12.8 kilometres of flexible safety barriers and 70 new end terminals on the Silver City and Sturt highways near Wentworth and Euston. This work is part of the Towards Zero Safer Roads Program to reduce the risk of vehicles running off the road.

Project Summary:

  • Start Date: Works commence on 18 May and will take approximately six weeks to complete.
  • Locations: Various locations along a 70-kilometre section of the Silver City Highway north of Wentworth, and a six-kilometre section of the Sturt Highway west of Euston.
  • Traffic Impacts: Expect changed traffic conditions, including single lane closures and a reduced speed limit of 40km/h.

For complete details regarding work hours, managing impacts, and contact information, please refer to the attached official poster below.

20260428 – NL Safety Barriers on Silver City and Sturt HighwayDownload

Temporary Road Closure – Fletcher’s Lake Road (Alba Road to Channel Road)

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Temporary Road Closure – Fletcher’s Lake Road (Alba Road to Channel Road)

Wentworth Shire Council advises that Fletcher’s Lake Road will be closed to general traffic and heavy vehicles from Alba Road through to Channel Road. This temporary closure will commence on Wednesday, 13 May 2026, and will remain in place for a five-week period to accommodate scheduled roadworks.

During this time, detours for heavy vehicles will be signposted via Pooncarie Road and the Silver City Highway. Residents and businesses located within the affected area will not be impacted by these changes and will retain full access to their properties at all times.

Council apologises for any inconvenience this may cause and thanks the community for its understanding and cooperation while these works are completed.

Have Your Say: Draft Lower Western Bush Fire Risk Management Plan

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Have Your Say: Draft Lower Western Bush Fire Risk Management Plan

The 5-year plan to mitigate local bush fire risks in our community is now on public exhibition. We encourage all residents to review the draft and share their feedback by 5pm, Monday 22 June 2026.

Where to view the plan:

  • Online via the NSW RFS link below
  • Wentworth Shire Council Office – 61 Darling Street, Wentworth
  • Balranald Shire Council Office – 70 Market St, Balranald
  • Lower Western Fire Control Centre (Dareton) – 58-60 Mitchell Ave, Dareton

How to provide feedback: You submit a written response via email/post, or complete the short survey online.

View the plan and complete the survey here: https://www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/plan-and-prepare/managing-bush-fire-risk/bush-fire-management-committees/lower-western-zone

Planned Subdivision Works – Pitman Avenue, Buronga

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Planned works required on Pitman Avenue, between Melaleuca Street and Rose Street

[UPDATE: PLEASE NOTE CHANGE OF DATES]

Wentworth Shire Council wish to advise the residents and businesses of Buronga, that the scheduled closure for Pitman Avenue has changed.

Pitman Avenue will be closed between Melaleuca Street and Rose Street, to enable subdivision works to proceed for the following NEW period:

– Wednesday 13 May – 7:00 am to Thursday 14 May – 5:00 pm

(Please note this replaces the previously scheduled date of Friday 15 May).

Detour signage around the closure will be in place. Local residents in the closed area will be permitted to access.

Wentworth Shire Council apologises for any inconvenience caused while these works occur.

Additional Night Works – George Chaffey Bridge

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Additional Night Works – George Chaffey Bridge

Tuesday 12 May (8:00PM – 4:00AM)

Motorists are advised of changed traffic conditions around the George Chaffey Bridge over the Murray River between Mildura and Buronga, as essential maintenance is carried out.

Additional night works include asphalting of two sections of the NSW side bridge abutment. Night work will be carried out between 8pm and 4am on Tuesday 12 May, weather permitting. Works will involve a single lane closure, traffic control and a reduced speed limit of 40 km/h for the safety of workers and motorists.

Motorists are advised to drive to the conditions, follow the directions of signs and traffic control and allow up to 10 minutes additional travel time during night work.

Register for the Wentworth Flood Rally

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The registration deadline for the 70 Years On Wentworth Flood Rally has been extended to Thursday, 14 May 2026.

This provides additional time for the community to sign up for the historic tractor treks, static displays, and the Australian Record Attempt for the largest assembly of Ferguson TEA20 tractors. Please note that entries received after the revised date may not be accepted.

Secure a spot by emailing tractor@wentworth.nsw.gov.au.

For more information, visit https://www.wentworth.nsw.gov.au/flood-rally/

Blue-green algae

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Read more

Buronga Gol Gol Structure Plan 2026 Partial Review

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Community Notice: EnergyConnect Scheduled Maintenance

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Elecnor Australia, contracted by Transgrid, is undertaking scheduled maintenance for the EnergyConnect project.

  • When: Works will take place between Saturday 2 May and Wednesday 13 May 2026. Operations will occur Monday to Sunday from 7am to 7pm, including public holidays, weather permitting. These times fall outside standard approved hours to ensure the activities are carried out safely and to minimise community disruption.
  • Where: Maintenance will be carried out on the 330kV line from the South Australian border to the Buronga Substation, NSW, as well as at the Buronga Substation itself.
  • What to expect: The community can expect to see elevated work platforms (up to 70 metres in height), trucks moving equipment between sites, and additional light vehicles.
  • Traffic advice: No road or lane closures are required, but there will be an increase in project-related vehicles during this time. Motorists are encouraged to remain aware of changing conditions, drive safely, and allow additional travel time if required.
  • Managing impacts: The project team will make every effort to minimise noise, vibration, and dust. Mitigation measures include maintaining machinery, turning off equipment when not in use, fitting equipment with noise-minimising devices, and utilising water carts on unsealed roads to suppress dust.

For further information or enquiries regarding these works, please contact the Project Community and Stakeholder Engagement Team on 1800 49 06 66 (free call) , email pec.community@elecnor.es , or visit secureenergyjv.com.au/projects/energyconnect.

260422- Scheduled Maintenance Buronga Substation and Line 1Download