Media Release – Investing in safer water for Wentworth Shire
The Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water released the following media release on 17 December 2024. For further information, visit nsw.gov.au/departments-and-agencies/dcceew
Investing in safer water for Wentworth Shire
Locals and holidaymakers in Wentworth, Buronga, Gol Gol, and Dareton are one step closer to locking in safer and more secure water thanks to $472,000 in co-funding from the NSW Government and Wentworth Shire Council.
The investment will enable Council to identify the best options for upgrading critical infrastructure that delivers both drinking and non-drinking water to the four towns.
It’s a significant move towards boosting water quality, reliability, and drought resilience for the region’s 4,100 people and supporting the growth of outback tourism in an area where the Darling and Murray Rivers meet.
The new funding includes:
$161,250 from the NSW Government and $53,750 from Council to deliver an options study and concept design for upgrading Wentworth’s water treatment plant and raw water pump station
$192,750 from the NSW Government and $64,250 from Council to deliver an options study and concept design for upgrading Gol Gol’s water treatment plant and the raw water pump station supplying Dareton and Namatjira
Currently, Wentworth relies on a single pump station to deliver both drinking and non-drinking water to its 1,100 residents and a growing number of visitors.
But the ageing infrastructure, which was operating at its peak during the early 1990s, is now in need of a major upgrade to meet modern water treatment standards and demands, particularly during dry conditions.
Meanwhile, in nearby Gol Gol, the water treatment plant services about 3,000 people in the town and in neighbouring Buronga, Dareton and the indigenous community of Namatjira.
But parts of the plant are in dire need of replacement or repair, and the infrastructure has reached its capacity so will be unable to meet the towns’ water needs as they grow.
The raw water pump station delivering non-drinking water also requires an urgent upgrade.
The new funding will allow Council to launch detailed investigations across four schemes to find solutions and develop early planning works, including environmental reviews, geotechnical investigations, site surveys, and concept designs.
Options will aim to enhance water treatment process reliability, efficiency, and automation, reduce operating costs, and extend the life of major equipment.
The development work is due to be completed by June 2025.
The investment is the latest from the NSW Government’s Safe and Secure Water Program which supports more than $1 billion worth of projects across the state, with over 260 projects in various stages of delivery.
NSW DCCEEW Executive Director of Development Lisa Hingerty said:
“This is about safeguarding water for Wentworth, Buronga, Gol Gol, Dareton and Namatjira, and it’s vital we get the ball rolling on long-overdue infrastructure upgrades.
“This investment will help Council examine all the challenges for these five communities and find the best remedies to ensure water infrastructure is fit for the 21st century.
“We want to support the region into the future and as more and as more visitors come spend their holidays in Wentworth Shire. I’m delighted to see this work get going.”
Wentworth Shire Mayor Daniel Linklater said:
“We are pleased to partner with the NSW Government to secure the future water supplies.
“The upgrade of pump stations and water treatment plants is essential to ensure the continued delivery of safe and reliable water to our residents and visitors.
“This much-needed infrastructure upgrade addresses our aging assets and represents a significant achievement in collaboration with the NSW Government, securing a sustainable future for our community.
“This funding is crucial for initiating preliminary assessments, which will enable us to develop and implement effective long-term solutions.”
New food safety requirements apply soon
New food safety requirements apply soon
New food safety requirements apply to school canteens, childcare centres, supermarkets, coffee vendors selling food and boarding schools next month.
The national standard mandating staff training and risk management procedures was enforceable to most food businesses from 8 December 2023, however, some business types in NSW received a 12-month extension and now have just weeks left to prepare.
The rules only apply to businesses that sell or serve ready to eat unpackaged food that needs to be kept hot or cold to stay safe – packaged food, and products like confectionary and cakes, are generally not captured.
Most outlets need to arrange formal Food Safety Supervisor training for at least one person in the business and ensure all food handlers have general food safety skills and knowledge.
Higher-risk businesses must also be able to show they are managing key food safety risks.
Mr Ken Ross, General Manager of Wentworth Shire Council said the standard aimed to further prevent people becoming sick from eating unsafe food.
“Residents, visitors and workers in Wentworth Shire demand a high level of food safety at the places they eat at every day,” Mr Ross said.
“We know the vast majority of our local food businesses take food safety seriously. These new measures further strengthen practices and processes to ensure our consumers can continue to enjoy their food knowing it’s safe to eat.”
Mr Ross said council would take an educative approach with local businesses as they transitioned to the new requirements.
For more information, visit the NSW Food Authority website foodauthority.nsw.gov.au/safetytools
Murray River Named One of National Geographic’s Best of the World for 2025!
The Murray River – Best of the World
It’s official – the Murray River has been named as one of the Best Destinations in the world!
According to National Geographic, the Murray River has profiled among 25 Top Destinations in the prestigious ‘Best of the World’ List for 2025. The annual list was unveiled today to help travellers plan ahead for their next holiday.
Wentworth Shire is incredibly grateful to be part of the Visit the Murray region and the Murray Regional Tourism team. Wentworth and Surrounds are only one region located along the mighty Murray River, but together, we have created a destination that has now been recognised globally.
The full list of the BEST OF THE WORLD 2025 is available online now at NatGeo.com/BestOfTheWorldMurray River offers something for everyone. Explore its beauty and experience one of the world’s best destinations.
For more information, contact the Wentworth Visitor Centre at (03) 5027 5080.
Councils along the Murray River include:
- New South Wales (NSW):
- Albury City Council, Federation Council, Berrigan Shire Council, Murray River Council, Edward River Council, Wentworth Shire Council
- Victoria (VIC):
- Towong Shire, City of Wodonga, Indigo Shire, Moira Shire, Campaspe Shire, Gannawarra Shire, Swan Hill Rural City Council, Mildura Rural City Council
- South Australia (SA):
- District Council of Karoonda East Murray, Mid Murray Council, Rural City of Murray Bridge, Coorong District Council, Renmark Paringa Council, Berri Barmera Council, Loxton Waikerie Council
2023 Mayoral Election Results
Wentworth Shire Council has formally elected Councillor Daniel Linklater as Mayor and Councillor Susan Nichols as Deputy Mayor during the Ordinary Council Meeting held on Wednesday 20 September.
The former Mayor of Wentworth Shire, Councillor Tim Elstone was congratulated by Mayor Linklater on his time in the role.
“Tim is a consummate community man and for the last 7 years has served as either Deputy or Mayor. Councillor Elstone has led us through the recent flood experience, which I don’t believe like anyone else could in this room. It was a 7 day a week commitment and the community thanks you for that. I also thank you for your encouragement to me and your mentoring, I look forward to continuing to work with you.”
“I would like to thank the chamber for your support, it is really humbling to be elected by this community and an honour to be supported by my peers here. It is my intention to serve as collaboratively as possible.” Councillor Linklater said.
Former Mayor Elstone who held the role of Mayor from 10 January 2022, and Deputy Mayor since 2016, commended his fellow Councillors for their involvement and participation during his term with Council.
Councillor Jane MacAllister stood against fellow Councillor Daniel Linklater for the Mayoral role and against Councillor Susan Nichols for nomination of Deputy Mayor.
Council will next meet on Wednesday 18 October from 7:00pm at the Wentworth Shire Council Chambers.
To view the Councillors of Wentworth Shire Council, visit: https://www.wentworth.nsw.gov.au/…/about…/councillors/
Planet Ark’s Schools Tree Day – 28 July 2023
Location: Wentworth Ski Reserve
Local students from Pomona and Wentworth Public Schools were encouraged to get out of the classroom and into nature for Planet Ark’s National Tree Day organised by Vanessa Anderson, Regional Landcare Coordinator – Schools (Wentworth based) for Western Landcare NSW.
Students planted 140 native trees and shrubs on Friday 28 July 2023, with a student from Pomona Public School saying “We are planting trees to create oxygen for the environment and want to make things beautiful again.”
The 140 native plants, consisting of Kangaroo Paw, Grevilleas, native grasses, bushes and ground covers were sourced from the growAbility Nursery in Mildura. Councillor Brian Beaumont for Wentworth Shire Council was also in attendance, getting his hands dirty to plant some trees in the flood impacted Wentworth Ski Reserve.
Vanessa Anderson said she is proud to be part of the community, engaging with children in schools and teaching about the importance of the connection with the environment.
She encourages the community to volunteer some time for the National Tree Day Planting on Sunday 6 August from 10:00am – 2:00pm, Cnr Silver City Highway & Pomona Road, Wentworth. Lunch available at the Pomona Hall, supported by Pomona Public School P&C. Bring along your hat, water bottle, gardening gloves and make your effort count!
Since 1996, over 26,000,000 trees have been planted with more than 3,000 preschools, kindergartens, primary and high school students participating nationwide on Schools Tree Day.
To learn more, visit https://treeday.planetark.org/
