All posts relating to projects in Wentworth Shire

Buronga Filtered Water Outage – 23 & 24 October

Buronga Filtered Water Outage 23 & 24 October

Planned works required on Pitman Avenue Water Main

Wentworth Shire Council wish to advise the residents and businesses of Buronga that filtered water supply will be unavailable due to works on the water main along Pitman Avenue in Buronga from 10pm on Thursday 23 October to 6am on Friday 24 October.

Council recommends that residents and businesses plan for the outage, such as not scheduling water use (showers / washing) during the outage period and have buckets of water available for toilet flushing.

Raw water supply will not be impacted by the works.

Council apologises for any inconvenience caused while these works occur.

Changed traffic conditions Abbotsford and Wentworth bridges

Changed traffic conditions Abbotsford and Wentworth bridges

Motorists are advised of changed traffic conditions from next week for essential maintenance work on bridges at Curlwaa and Wentworth.

Routine maintenance on Wentworth Bridge, which crosses the Darling River at Wentworth, and Abbotsford Bridge, which crosses the Murray River between Curlwaa and Yelta, will be carried out to provide a safer road for motorists.

Work on Wentworth Bridge will be carried out from Tuesday 14 to Friday 17 October between 7am and 5pm, weather permitting.

Traffic control will be in place and includes single lane closures and a reduced speed limit of 30 km/h.

To minimise impact to the community, work on Abbotsford Bridge will be carried out at night between 8pm and 6am from Monday 20 to Friday 24 October, weather permitting.

Abbotsford Bridge will be fully closed between these times with a detour in place across George Chaffey Bridge, between Buronga and Mildura, via Meridian Road, Sturt Highway and Silver City Highway.

Heavy vehicles will detour at the southern end of George Chaffey Bridge along Benetook Avenue.

Motorists are advised to drive to the conditions, follow the direction of signs and traffic control and allow an extra 20 minutes travel time when the detour is in place.

For more information visit the following links:
Wentworth Bridge - www.livetraffic.com/incident-details/251722
Abbotsford Bridge – www.livetraffic.com/incident-details/251727

To receive updates direct to your phone, search ‘Wentworth Bridge’ or ‘Abbotsford Bridge’ in your Live Traffic app, select the incident and click ‘Follow’.    

Location of work areas and detour:

Wentworth Water Main Replacement

Wentworth Water Main Replacement

Works near Tuckers Creek Bridge and William Street South
Wentworth Shire Council wish to advise the residents and businesses of Wentworth, that pipeline construction activities will be occurring near Tuckers Creek Bridge and William Street South during October and currently scheduled for completion by end of November.

Council advises residents and businesses that the works are unlikely to impact on filtered water and raw water supplies. It is requested that vehicle and foot traffic in the area follow traffic management instructions.

The works are associated with the construction of a replacement of an old raw water main that has required significant repairs and associated supply interruptions over the past decade. The replacement will ensure a reliable water supply service for Wentworth township into the future.

Council apologises for any inconvenience caused while these critical works occur.

EnergyConnect Construction – Trentham Cliffs to Sturt Highway

EnergyConnect Construction – Trentham Cliffs to Sturt Highway

Elecnor Australia, on behalf of Transgrid, is installing overhead earth wire as part of the EnergyConnect project, connecting NSW, SA and Victoria grids.

Dates & times: Saturday 11 October–Tuesday 21 October 2025, 7am–6pm weekdays, 8am–1pm Saturdays. Some works outside these hours until December 2025.

What to expect: temporary stops for boats, increased construction vehicles and temporary traffic changes on the Sturt Highway, plus some light, noise and vibration from machinery.

For further details, view the construction notification.

#EnergyConnect #WentworthShire #CommunityNotice


Footpath Upgrade Works – Sturt Highway, Gol Gol

Wentworth Shire Council advises that contractors will carry out works on the existing shared footpath adjacent to the Sturt Highway, between Drings Hill, Gol Gol and the Midway Centre, from Wednesday 8 October.

Works will commence at Drings Hill Reserve and progress in a westerly direction over a three-week period.

Please note that sections of the footpath will be closed to the public between 7am and 4pm, Monday to Friday, while works are underway.

Council apologises for any inconvenience and thanks the community for its understanding and cooperation.

Major Boost to Firefighting Capability

Major Boost to Firefighting Capability

Wentworth Shire Council is proud to have partnered with the NSW Rural Fire Service Lower Western District on the official opening of the enhanced RFS Wentworth Airbase Lower Western Zone, at the Wentworth Aerodrome yesterday. This modern, two-storey facility marks a significant step forward for regional fire safety.

The upgraded airbase features:

  • Two 45,000-litre water tanks
  • Modern radio communications
  • An aircraft loading pump
  • Office and workshop facilities

General Manager Ken Ross said, “this development represents a significant step forward in our commitment to community safety and fire response capability.”

The airbase is a vital asset not only for NSW, but also for Victorian and South Australian emergency services, strengthening the tri-state firefighting network.

The event also saw the handover of five new and enhanced tankers to the Dareton, Ellerslie, Gol Gol, Polia, Pomona and Wentworth FCC brigades—a combined investment of over $1 million—ensuring our local volunteers have the best equipment to protect the community.

Council also commends Team Leader – Civil Projects, Trevor Wilcock, on his outstanding coordination of the project. Superintendent Steve Walker AFSM, District Manager for Lower Western, presented Trevor with a Certificate of Appreciation in recognition of his valued input throughout the Wentworth Airbase Enhancement Project.

Councillors Sue Nichols, Brian Beaumont, and Michael Weeding were in attendance to witness the opening and vehicle handover.

Council thanks the NSW RFS Brigades and Donation Fund for their support and acknowledges the dedication of all RFS members serving the region.

#WentworthShire #NSWRFS #CommunitySafety #FirePreparedness #LowerWesternDistrict #EmergencyServices


Have your say: Help shape the future of transport in the Far West

Have your say: Help shape the future of transport in the Far West

Transport in the Far West is entering an important new phase. Transport for New South Wales is developing a Strategic Regional Integrated Transport Plan (SRITP) for the Far West, to be finalised in early 2026.

Before drafting the Plan, feedback is being sought from communities across the region. Whether it is daily travel, access to essential services, freight movements or connectivity to neighbouring towns — community experience is vital.

Why input matters

  • Ensures the Plan reflects real needs, challenges and opportunities in the region
  • Helps guide where infrastructure and transport services should be prioritised
  • Provides the region with a voice in shaping future transport investments

How to contribute

  1. Visit the Have Your Say – Far West portal to drop a pin on the interactive map, comment on issues, or make a formal submission.
  2. To be involved in engagement activities (such as local workshops or briefings), email: engage.sritps@transport.nsw.gov.au.
  3. Subscribe on the portal to receive updates as the Plan progresses.

Key dates and process

  • Currently: Open for submissions and community input
  • Next phases: Reviewing submissions, drafting the Plan, public exhibition, and reporting back on what was heard

Residents, businesses, community groups and service providers across Wentworth Shire and the wider Far West are encouraged to contribute. This is an important opportunity to help ensure transport networks support connectivity, economic growth and community wellbeing.


New $1.2 Million Compactor Prepares Buronga Landfill for Future Expansion

New $1.2 Million Compactor Prepares Buronga Landfill for Future Expansion

Wentworth Shire Council has invested $1.2 million in a new state-of-the-art landfill compactor for the Buronga Landfill, ensuring the facility is well positioned to meet the demands of its planned long-term expansion.

The new machine, a Bomag BC 773 RB-5, has been purpose-built for landfill operations. Equipped with advanced engineering and GPS-enabled technology, the compactor will increase waste management efficiency, extend the life of landfill cells and provide accurate reporting to the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA).

Key features of the Bomag BC 773 RB-5 include:

  • An articulated and oscillating design to maintain four-wheel ground contact for maximum compaction.
  • Offset polygonal steel wheels with 55 cast-iron teeth each, delivering optimal crushing and compacting.
  • Scrapers and wire cutters to prevent waste build-up and entanglements.
  • A Cummins X-15 turbo diesel engine with hydrostatic drive, offering proven performance, fuel efficiency and reduced wear.
  • Operator safety features including rollover protection (ROPS) and a positive-pressure cabin.
  • Trimble GPS system to monitor compaction rates and landfill cell design, supporting accurate EPA reporting and compliance with filling plans.

Council’s investment in the Bomag compactor ensures the Buronga Landfill is equipped with the right technology to manage future demand, minimise operating costs and deliver long-term environmental and financial benefits for the community.


Construction is officially underway on Fibre Optic Symphonic Orchestra (FOSO)

Wentworth Shire Council is thrilled to announce that construction is officially underway on Fibre Optic Symphonic Orchestra (FOSO).

A spectacular immersive art installation by internationally acclaimed artist Bruce Munro, the project will complete Munro’s vision for dual immersive art installations, Trail of Lights+FOSO in our region.

Mildura-based commercial builders Jointly have been appointed head contractor and will begin preparing the Log Bridge Road site this month. The artist’s UK-based studio team is scheduled to arrive in February 2026 to complete the installation.
Set to open in April 2026, FOSO is a unique experience that will feature 80 columns of light created from cylindrical arrays of fibre optic cables. This stunning visual display will be synchronised with an original orchestral score from renowned British composer Nainita Desai.

Wentworth Shire Council is delivering the project in a significant cross-border collaboration with Mildura Rural City Council. Wentworth Shire Council is leading the project’s delivery and operational ownership, with Mildura Rural City Council providing valued strategic and technical support.

Wentworth Shire Mayor, Cr Daniel Linklater said, “the start of construction is a proud moment for the Shire.
Wentworth Shire is incredibly proud to lead this landmark project, which demonstrates what can be achieved through a strong and cooperative partnership with our neighbours at Mildura Rural City Council.”

“This is collaboration in action. FOSO will offer a spectacular visual and aural experience set against our iconic Perry Sandhills, creating a complementary experience to the contemplative journey of Trail of Lights. Together, these two installations create an unmissable multi-day attraction that will encourage longer stays and amplify the economic benefits for the entire region.”

Mildura Mayor, Cr Helen Healy, celebrated the project’s commencement and the partnership between Councils.
“We are delighted to support Wentworth Shire Council on this visionary project,” Cr Healy said. “By combining our strengths, we are helping to build a cultural tourism offering that is exceptional and will draw visitors from across the country and the globe, benefiting our entire regional economy.”

FOSO is supported by funding from the New South Wales Government.

Expressions of interest are currently open for local wineries, accommodation providers, tour operators, transportation services, and hospitality businesses to partner with FOSO to elevate the visitor experience. For further details, visit https://mildura.com/lights/foso-partnerships/

Tickets for FOSO, including combination passes for Trail of Lights, are expected to go on sale in the coming months.


Have your say: Buronga Riverfront public toilet

Have your say: Buronga Riverfront public toilet
Wentworth Shire Council is seeking feedback on the newly installed public toilet at the Buronga Riverfront. Your input will help Council apply for future grant funding and guide any improvements.

The short survey asks about how often you use the facility, which features matter most to you — such as accessibility, safety, cleanliness, lighting and amenities — your overall satisfaction, and any suggestions for improvement.

Complete the survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/LZ9LVQM

Thank you for helping Council improve local facilities.