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.

Final Stage Completed at Buronga Riverfront Precinct

Final Stage Completed at Buronga Riverfront Precinct

Wentworth Shire Council has officially completed the Buronga Riverfront upgrade, with the opening of a new, accessible public toilet block marking the final stage of the project.

The Buronga Riverfront precinct has been transformed into a major recreational hub on the banks of the Murray River, providing families and visitors with high-quality facilities and attractions.

Mayor, Cr Daniel Linklater, said the project delivers on Council’s vision for a vibrant and inclusive community space.

“This is a proud moment for our community. Families have embraced the pump tracks and nature play area, and with these new facilities, they can enjoy this beautiful location for even longer.”

General Manager, Mr Ken Ross, said the project highlights Council’s investment in spaces that enhance daily life and visitor experience.

“The Buronga Riverfront has quickly become part of everyday life for local families and community groups, while also attracting visitors. It is a space where people can gather, exercise, relax and connect with the river.”

New Facilities Now Open

The completed precinct now includes:

  • A modern amenities block with accessible and family-friendly facilities
  • Dual sealed, all-weather pump tracks
  • A rejuvenated nature-based playground, restored following flood impacts
  • Undercover seating and picnic tables
  • Landscaped lawns and pathways along the Murray River

Location

The Buronga Riverfront precinct is located on the northern bank of the Murray River, adjacent to the George Chaffey Bridge. Access is via the Sturt Highway (A20), with links to regional bus services and shared pedestrian/cycle paths connecting Gol Gol, Buronga and Mildura.

Council encourages both residents and visitors to make the most of this new community destination.


New Junction Island Viewing Platform Under Construction

Wentworth Shire Council advises residents, businesses and visitors that construction of a new viewing platform is underway at the western end of Junction Island, Wentworth.

Works commenced on Monday 18 August 2025 and are scheduled for completion by late October 2025.

During construction, the existing viewing platform and the far western end of the walkway will not be accessible. At certain critical stages, the full walkway and bridge from the Two Rivers Ski Reserve car park on Ski Reserve Road may also be closed. These closures will be kept to a minimum and clearly signposted in advance.

To support safe public access during works, Council has agreed the following arrangements with the contractor:

  • The island will be closed completely between 7am-9am and 3pm-5pm on weekdays.
  • At all other times, including weekends and public holidays, the island will be open up to the location shown on the map below.
  • If the island needs to be closed outside the times above, the contractor will provide at least 24 hours’ notice.

Council apologises for any inconvenience and appreciates the community’s patience and understanding throughout the delivery of this important project. Council looks forward to welcoming residents, businesses and visitors to the new viewing platform upon completion.

Junction Island Bridge & Footpath to re-open Saturday 29 June 2024

Wentworth Shire Council is pleased to announce the long-awaited re-opening of the Junction Island Bridge and footpath on Saturday 29 June 2024. This milestone arrives just in time for the Wentworth Junction Rally on Saturday 6 and Sunday 7 July, an iconic event Council has supported since its inception in 1992. The rally has not been held since 2017 due to the COVID-19 pandemic and floods, making the 2024 event a significant occasion for the community.

Wentworth Shire Council extends its gratitude to the Department of Regional NSW for funding this project. Additionally, Council acknowledges the unwavering support and dedication of the Great Murray Darling Junction Interpretative Facility Inc members, whose efforts have been instrumental in bringing this vision to life over the years.

The new bridge and footpath significantly improves the accessibility to Junction Island, allowing residents and visitors to explore this unique natural environment once again. Spanning over 1,100 metres, the footpath features informative signage that highlights the rich ecological and cultural significance of Junction Island. This development not only promotes outdoor recreation but also stands as a major drawcard for Wentworth tourism, encouraging people to reconnect with nature.

Councillor Daniel Linklater, Mayor of Wentworth Shire Council, stated, “The re-opening of the Junction Island Bridge and footpath is a great outcome for our community. This project not only restores access to one of our region’s most stunning natural treasures but also re-establishes a major tourist attraction that will invigorate our local economy. We are thrilled to welcome visitors back to experience the beauty and rich cultural heritage of Junction Island. This is a proud moment for Wentworth Shire, and we can’t wait for everyone to enjoy what this amazing landmark has to offer.”

Council invites everyone to join in celebrating this remarkable achievement and to experience the beauty and tranquillity of Junction Island firsthand.

Junction Island re-opens

Picture: Mallee Media

One of Wentworth’s biggest tourism attractions, Junction Island, is again opened to the public.

A fire on the island in April 2021 forced its closure until it could be declared safe.

Following an arborist’s inspection, which identified several safety hazards preventing the early re-opening of the Island, and remedial works by Wentworth Shire Council’s Parks and Gardens team the popular Murray Darling Junction spot can now be accessed by locals and visitors.

Wentworth Shire Council Mayor Tim Elstone said it was great to see Junction Island be accessible once again.

“Junction Island forms a large part of the identity of Wentworth, both the town and the wider Shire, and having it closed really robbed us of one of the jewels in our crown,” Cr Elstone said.

“I am glad to see it re-opened and I encourage locals and visitors alike to take a trek across and re-acquaint themselves with the Island and its surrounds.”

In further good news for Junction Island planning is well under way for the replacement of the existing bridge to the Island. The new bridge will also be able to accommodate light service vehicles which may be required on the island for minor maintenance.

Buronga Pump Track project update

Works commenced last week on the construction of a new sealed Pump Track at the Buronga Riverfront, west of the George Chaffey Bridge near the Discovery Caravan Park.

The track will be around 150m in length and will create an environment for the community to enjoy, whilst challenging their varying levels of skill through rollers and berms.

The project is funded under the Local Roads & Community Infrastructure Program and will be completed in December 2021.

Dareton Travellers Rest project update

Wentworth Shire Council and Dareton Community Action Team (CAT) have worked together to provide the town a new Traveller’ Rest, which is now nearing completion.

The project will provide a permanent memorial with names to commemorate those from the Dareton and Coomealla District who served their country in wartime.

With the town’s existing Anzac Memorial site unsuitable for the listing of names a new site in Tapio Park was chosen as an extension of the registered war memorial site.

Works were planned by Council in conjunction with the CAT and the Coomealla Memorial Sporting CLub.

The CAT proposed the construction of the Travellers Rest pergola, interpretive panels, new granite war memorial and associated pathways and have been successful in securing funds from the club as well as further government funding to complete the project.

Local historian and author Malcolm Williams provided the story and images to be used on the panels.

Works on stage one of the project will be completed by Christmas with placement of the new granite memorial expected to be completed in January 2022.

Buronga Nature Play Area works ongoing

Construction of a new Nature Play Area is underway at Buronga.

Nature-themed equipment in the play area includes rope play structures, scaling ropes and a fort and slide structure.

On top of the playground equipment construction will include picnic tables with a river view, public seating and benches, shade structures, a new car park area including bollard fencing, landscaping, vegetation, grassed area, irrigation, bins and timber elements.

Part of the project also encompasses the rationalisation of paths through the eastern and western sides of the George Chaffey Bridge.

Works on the project commenced in early 2021 with the general landscaping components to be finished by the end of May.

The shade structure and playground equipment will be completed by the end of July.

See below for progress photos from April 2021