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New Statewide Community Participation Plan comes into effect

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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

  • Online: View the new statewide plan.

  • 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.

Night works – Silver City Highway

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Night works – Silver City Highway
Dates: Monday 7 September – Friday 11 September
Location: Silver City Highway, Buronga

Motorists are advised of changed traffic conditions due to night works on the Silver City Highway from the Buronga Roundabout to Arumpo Road intersection, as essential maintenance is carried out. Work includes crack-sealing up to 2.2km of the roadway.

Night work will be carried out between 5:30pm and 10:00pm from Monday 7 September to Friday 11 September, weather permitting. Works will involve a single lane closure, traffic control and a reduced speed limit of 40km/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 ten minutes additional travel time during night work.

It’s not too late to complete the 2026 Census

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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

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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

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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.

Safe Towing Workshop & Weighing Sessions – September 2026

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Wentworth Shire Council invites owners of caravans, trailers, boats, and horse floats to have their towing setups professionally assessed. Non-compliant setups risk voided insurance cover, heavy fines, and demerit points.

To assist residents, Council is hosting a free Safe Towing Workshop on Wednesday 16 September 2026 at the Midway Community Centre in Buronga, covering weight limits, axle loads, brake controllers, and fault identification.

Following this, a qualified technician will conduct professional vehicle weighing sessions on 22 and 23 September in Wentworth and Buronga, providing attendees with an accurate report on axle weights, tow ball mass, and load distribution.

These 90-minute weighing sessions are free for participants who attend the initial workshop, or they are available for a $100 fee without prior workshop attendance.

Places are strictly limited, and registrations close at 10:00 am on Friday 11 September 2026.

To register and secure your place, please complete the form below.

Apply for a Community Road Safety Grant

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Do you have an idea to improve road safety in your community?

The NSW Government Community Road Safety Grants program provides funding to groups and organisations across NSW to deliver local projects that address specific road safety issues and promote safer road use.

Grants of up to $5,000 and $30,000 are available.

Applications close Monday 28 September 2026.
Eligibility and selection criteria apply.
transport.nsw.gov.au/road-safety-grants

Rural Road Safety Month – Fatigue

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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:

  • Plan rest breaks: Stop for a 15-minute break every two hours on long trips.

  • Recognise the signs: If you feel drowsy, pull over in a safe location or switch drivers immediately.

  • 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