Look out, animals about!
When driving in rural or regional areas, slow down,follow warning signs and stay alert – particularly around dusk or dawn.
More info https://www.transport.nsw.gov.au/roadsafety/road-users/drivers/animals
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.
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.
Throughout the week, we will be focusing on different aspects of road safety. We ask our community to keep these in mind:
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.
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:
For complete details regarding work hours, managing impacts, and contact information, please refer to the attached official poster below.
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.
Transport for NSW and Austroads have introduced new arrangements for transitioning overseas driver and motorcycle rider licences to Australian licences.
What has changed?
As of 1 February 2026, the arrangements for converting licences from certain countries have changed.
Timelines for moving to NSW
Check your eligibility
Because the list of recognised countries and testing requirements has changed, we urge all overseas licence holders to check their specific status on the Service NSW website.
[Button/Link: Check Licence Eligibility at Service NSW]
Lights flash on buses to warn motorists that buses are picking up and dropping off children.
You must slow down to 40km/h when overtaking or passing a bus displaying flashing lights, unless a lower speed limit applies.
You can help keep children safe by:
🏫 Sticking to the speed limit and following the road rules in school zones
🚌 Slowing down to 40km/h when bus lights are flashing, unless a lower speed limit applies
🚸 Looking out for children crossing the road near bus stops, in school zones or along bus routes
⤴️ Giving way to buses when they merge back into traffic.
For more information visit: transport.nsw.gov.au/roadsafety/road-users/drivers/be-bus-aware
Motorists are encouraged to take extra care on our regional roads during the busy summer harvest period.
With more heavy vehicles and farm machinery travelling between properties and grain receival sites, drivers may encounter large, slow-moving vehicles more often than usual. The Be Truck Aware campaign, supported by Transport for NSW, GrainCorp, the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator and state farming networks, is a reminder for all road users to stay patient, stay alert and make safe decisions on the road.
Key safety reminders this harvest season:
• Be mindful of increased truck movements and larger blind spots
• Allow extra travel time and avoid risky overtaking
• Always wear your seatbelt
• Manage fatigue before starting your journey
• Slow down, look and listen at level crossings
Variable message signs are in place across the region to reinforce these important safety messages and to support safer travel for all road users.
For further details, visit the Transport for NSW website.
The annual ‘Horses in traffic’ initiative is underway from October to November to highlight the importance of taking care when driving around horses in traffic.
Horses can be unpredictable and easily spooked. This initiative reminds motorists to slow down, leave plenty of room and never use the car horn or rev the engine if passing a horse in traffic.
Over the 10-year period from 2015 to 2024p* there were:
*The data for 2024 is preliminary and subject to change.
Horse riders also have a responsibility to take care on the road and are encouraged to be aware of their surroundings, ride on roads where motorists have a good line of sight, wear high visibility clothing and a helmet that meets Australian Standards, and if possible, ride during daylight hours.
Learn more: www.transport.nsw.gov.au/roadsafety/road-users/drivers/animals#Horses_in_traffic_
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.
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.
