Level 2 Water Restrictions introduced in Coonabarabran  Level 2 water restrictions will come into place in Coonabarabran from midnight tomorrow - Friday 22 March 2024.  “As of 19 March 2024, Timor Dam was at 60% capacity, which is declining due to minimal rainfall in the catchment and high-water usage by residents,” said Warrumbungle Shire Council Mayor, Councillor Ambrose Doolan. “Residents are reminded that these water restrictions are in place for a reason and it is important to preserve water usages where possible.”  Under level 2 water restrictions, for households there is a target water consumption of 240 litres per person per day. Gardens may be watered Watering systems, non-fixed sprinklers, hand held hoses, microsprays, drip systems and soaker hoses, only between 6am – 9am and 6pm – 9pm every second day as per odds and evens system. Odds and Evens System means that if the street number of your property is odd you can water in accordance with the restrictions on odd days. If your property has an even number you can water in accordance with the restrictions on even days.  “Council appreciates residents’ ongoing efforts to comply with these water restrictions and the Warrumbungle Water team will continue to monitor water supply levels closely,” Cr Doolan concluded.  Level 1 water restrictions will continue to be in place and enforced throughout Baradine, Binnaway, Merrygoen and Mendooran. Council will continue to monitor the level of the Castlereagh River closely as well as demand in Baradine. Residents are encouraged to limit their water usage and preserve water wherever possible. For a range of water saving tips, please refer to the Warrumbungle Water page on Council’s website.

ROAD CONDITIONS REPORT – LOCAL UNSEALED ROADS CLOSED - MONDAY 18 MARCHCoonamble Shire Council advises the travelling public that ALL UNSEALED ROADS are currently CLOSED to all non-essential traffic throughout the Shire.Primary producers are kindly requested to reschedule the movement of heavy vehicles until the unsealed sections of the route between their properties and the sealed road network has thoroughly dried out.Road users are reminded that:They may be liable for any damage that they cause to the road that is closed to their vehicle type, and they may void their own vehicle insurance.Travelling on roads covered with water is extremely dangerous and should be avoided.Road conditions can change without warning and, if roads are open, drivers should travel with caution.Unsealed roads damage very easily when they are wet.Repairs to damaged roads are not usually possible until the roads and gravel stockpiles begin to dry out.Council prioritises repairs, with higher trafficked roads usually receiving attention first.Emergency vehicles are exempt from this directive, in the course of responding to legitimate emergencies.Council staff periodically inspect roads during and after rain events and issue updated road bulletins as conditions change.Paul GallagherGENERAL MANAGER

Council resolved in the Ordinary Council Meeting on 27 February 2024 that there will be a closure of Lorne Road to all traffic.During exploration, large cavities were found beneath Fred Reece Way and Lorne Road within 500 metres of Kangaroo Hill. These are a result of mining activity dating back to 1910.While the current road does not exhibit external signs of distress, anecdotal reports from the investigation team indicate that the substantial size of the cavities poses a risk to road users, particularly with the increased traffic from heavy vehicles, trucks and machinery.Proposed alternative routeThe planned closure will prevent access at the intersection of Fred Reece Way and Lorne Road. There will be limited access for residents to reach their properties on either side of the intersection, with the cavities' locations clearly marked for public awareness.Access to Stonies Creek Road will be via either Three Mile Road or Fred Reece Way.Access to the Airport will be via Stonies Creek Road and a track next to the Airport fence.Council staff will contact affected residents and emergency services within the next week. Preparatory works, including intersection improvements in locations where traffic flow will increase will also be conducted as a result of this closure.We appreciate your understanding. For any enquiries, please reach out to our Council administration staff at (02) 6828 6100. Kindly leave your name, contact details, and specify that you call regards Lorne Road for a callback from the Roads Manager. Alternatively, you can also email us at [email protected].

Due to low attendance numbers at the Trangie Waste Depot, Narromine Shire Council announces a change in the weekend opening hours effective from 9 March 2024.The new Saturday and Sunday opening hours will be from 10 am until 2 pm.However, the Waste Depot will maintain its regular schedule every Wednesday and Friday from 8 am until Midday.The Trangie weekly kerbside green, yellow, and red lidded bins service to town residents will continue without any changes.In an effort to provide more convenient waste disposal options, Narromine Shire Council is launching a free trial "click and collect" bulk rubbish removal system specifically for Trangie town residents. This trial period will run until 26 July 2024.Commencing Monday, 11 March 2024, residents can book the delivery of a skip bin to their residence through the Council. Once filled, Council will promptly pick up the bin.Trangie residents interested in availing of this free service are encouraged to contact Narromine Shire Council at 6889 9999 to schedule the delivery of their bulk rubbish collection bin.To ensure the success and relevance of this trial service, Council may request residents to participate in a satisfaction survey. The feedback gathered will help gauge the need and interest of Trangie residents in continuing or expanding such services.It's important to note that there is no additional charge for the first "click and collect" bulk rubbish removal service. This service offer is only available to residents within the Trangie town area for the trial period.For further information or inquiries, please contact Narromine Shire Council by phoning 6889 9999.

Coonamble Shire Council advises the travelling public that ALL UNSEALED ROADS are currently CLOSED to all non-essential traffic, due to recent rainfall. Primary producers are kindly requested to reschedule the movement of heavy vehicles until the unsealed sections of the route between their properties and the sealed road network has thoroughly dried out. Council appreciates travellers’ self-discipline to stay off unsealed roads to minimise damage to the road structure.  Road users are reminded that: 1.   They may be liable for any damage that they cause to the road that is closed to their vehicle type.2.   Travelling on roads covered with water is extremely dangerous and should be avoided.3.   Road conditions can change without warning and, if roads are open, drivers should travel with caution.4.   Unsealed roads damage very easily when they are wet.                     5.   Repairs to damaged roads are not usually possible until the roads and gravel stockpiles begin to dry out.                              6.   Council prioritises repairs, with higher trafficked roads usually receiving attention first.7.   Emergency vehicles are exempt from this directive, in the course of responding to legitimate emergencies.                                   It is anticipated that local unsealed roads will be closed for a number of days due to recent storm activity. Council staff periodically inspect roads during and after rain events and issue updated road bulletins as conditions change, with updated conditions available through www.livetraffic.com and its associated smartphone app.Paul GallagherGENERAL MANAGER

Coonamble Shire Council advises the travelling public that ALL UNSEALED ROADS are currently CLOSED to all non-essential traffic, due to recent rainfall. Primary producers are kindly requested to reschedule the movement of heavy vehicles until the unsealed sections of the route between their properties and the sealed road network has thoroughly dried out. Council appreciates travellers’ self-discipline to stay off unsealed roads to minimise damage to the road structure.  Road users are reminded that: 1.   They may be liable for any damage that they cause to the road that is closed to their vehicle type.2.   Travelling on roads covered with water is extremely dangerous and should be avoided.3.   Road conditions can change without warning and, if roads are open, drivers should travel with caution.4.   Unsealed roads damage very easily when they are wet.                     5.   Repairs to damaged roads are not usually possible until the roads and gravel stockpiles begin to dry out.                              6.   Council prioritises repairs, with higher trafficked roads usually receiving attention first.7.   Emergency vehicles are exempt from this directive, in the course of responding to legitimate emergencies.                                   Council staff periodically inspect roads during and after rain events and issue updated road bulletins as conditions change. Paul GallagherGENERAL MANAGER

𝗖𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗱𝗿𝗲𝗻'𝘀 𝗣𝗹𝗮𝘆𝗴𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱 𝗶𝗻 𝗠𝗮𝗰𝗱𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹𝗱 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝗸 𝗰𝗹𝗼𝘀𝗲𝗱 𝗱𝘂𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝘃𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘀𝗺Families are advised that Council has closed the children's playground in Macdonald Park for an indefinite period due to vandalism, which has made the equipment unsafe for use.Council regrets having to close the playground.Families are asked to check play equipment throughout the Local Government Area before allowing their children to use it, as a precaution. Kindly call Council on 6827 1900 to report any issues.

URGENT MEETING OF CREDITORS OWED MONEY FOR THE SES SHED BUILD, COONAMBLELocal contractors owed money by The Flying Builder Pty Ltd – responsible for the SES shed build in Coonamble – should act urgently to register to attend the online Combined Notice of Appointment and First Meeting of Creditors of Company Under Administration.Contractors owed money have until 4pm Thursday, 6 July, to register to attend this particular meeting.The purposes of the meeting are:To decide whether to appoint a committee of inspection, and, if soTo determine committee members.At the meeting, creditors may also, by resolution:Remove the administrator from office, andAppoint someone else as administrator of The Flying Building Pty Ltd.Proof that The Flying Builder owes a local contractor money and the names of any proxy to attend the meeting are to be submitted to the current administrator by 4pm, Thursday 6 July, 2023.The current administrator is Rapsey Griffiths Turnaround + Advisory of Newcastle. The contact person is Celeste Cosenza, (02) 4926 8800, email: [email protected] online meeting will be held on Friday 7 July from 11am. Details of the virtual meeting, using Zoom, will be forwarded to registered participants only.The Flying Builder Pty Ltd went into voluntary receivership earlier this month.Paul GallagherGENERAL MANAGER

Daylight savings ends at 3am on Sunday 2 April 2023.Don't forget to set your clocks back an hour to enjoy an extra hour's sleep.

WATER RESTRICTIONS LIFTEDWater restrictions on the Coonamble Water Supply are now lifted – effective immediately – thanks to repairs to the pump equipment and recalibration of the entire water treatment system.Coonamble Shire Council water and sewerage staff, the Department of Planning and Environment, and external consultants were able to identify the faulty equipment and its ripple effect through the treatment system to restore it to normal operation.Coonamble Shire Council appreciates the patience and self-discipline of local residents and businesses who showed their care for this precious commodity. Ongoing awareness of water usage in every household and business is requested.Paul GallagherGENERAL MANAGER

Water restrictions will be introduced from midnight tonight, Saturday, 4 March, for households on the Coonamble town water supply.The town water supply system has been functioning at capacity for many weeks but is unable to keep pace with the demand during this prolonged period of high temperatures and dry weather.Level 1 water restrictions will apply from midnight tonight, meaning:Residents may only use hand-held hoses, fitted with a trigger nozzle.Watering of lawns and gardens by hand is allowed before 10am and after 4pm, using a hose fitted with a trigger nozzle.Please do not hose down hard surfaces such as concrete paths or driveways.Sprinklers and watering systems are not to be used.More specifically for gardens and lawns:Please use only one hand-held hose or a single drip-irrigation system at a time, after 4pm or before 10am.Watering cans and buckets are permitted.New turf can be watered for one week, as per instructions.For vehicles, buildings and boats:Washing vehicles and buildings is allowed with a hose fitted with a trigger nozzle.Washing of bins with high-pressure equipment or a hose fitted with a trigger nozzle is permitted.High-pressure cleaning equipment is allowed.For new and existing private swimming pools and external spas:Only top-up or fill pools and spas using a hand-held hose between 5pm and 10am.Please cover pools and spas while not in use to reduce evaporation.Council will review the restrictions daily, in line with the performance of its water treatment plant and thanks residents for their patience and cooperation during this time.Paul GallagherGENERAL MANAGER

Walgett Shire Council wishes to advise residents of Rowena that a Community Consultation Meeting will be held on Wednesday 15th March at 11.00am at the Rowena Pub.The purpose of the consultation is to discuss and seek input from the community regarding the flood mitigation project within Rowena Village.For further information please contact Bob Stephen at Walgett Shire Council on 02 6828 6100.

Castlereagh Macquarie County Council wish to advise that Bio Security Officers will be conducting Hudson Pear aerial inspections by helicopter for identification and mapping of outlaying incursions adjacent to known containment lines to inform ground control programs around Lightning Ridge, Cumborah and Grawin areas.The aerial inspections will occur from Monday 27 February to Friday 3 March 2023, weather permitting. Landowners who require more information are asked to contact Castlereagh Macquarie County Council Bio Security Officers Andrea Fletcher-Dawson 0428 462 060 or Mat Savage 0427 253 463.Michael UrquhartGeneral ManagerCastlereagh Macquarie County Council

Gilgandra Lifestyles wishes to advise that Cooee Lodge has experienced its first cases of COVID. Residents are being well cared for by the clinical team and on call medical services.Gilgandra Lifestyles is working with the Commonwealth Government for advice and support. A support workforce will be provided to Cooee Lodge to assist managing the health and care of clients and staff. This team is provided by the Commonwealth, and has been specifically developed to support facilities with COVID cases.Visitor restrictions remain in place, however compassionate visits may be requested.Residents remain isolated in an attempt to curb transmissions, along with stringent infection control practice. Additional resident activities that can be achieved while isolated are being implemented.“We are thankful to our staff, who are to be complemented as we work through this period, as well as their commitment to date in infection control procedures which has ensured that this exposure has been so limited," said Director Aged Care & Disabilities, Donna Dobson.“We are providing families with regular communications regarding updates on residents and processes in place, and are ensuring that residents stay in good spirits. We thank families for their ongoing support and understanding.”Gilgandra Lifestyles continues to work with the Public Health Unit and the Department of Health to ensure the best possible outcomes for residents and staff," Ms Dobson said. 

Closure of Intersection of Fox and Wee Waa Street THIS WEEKEND - Saturday 11 to Sunday 12 Feb 2023Walgett Shire Council wishes to advise that the intersection of Fox and Wee Waa Streets will be closed for two (2) days to carryout various works on Kerb and Guttering in the area.The works will comprise of completion and tidy up of works previously undertaken. Disruption will be limited to within 50m of the intersection.Whilst the intersection will be closed, access to the businesses surrounding the works will be maintained. Diversions will be in place for through traffic. Detailed plans for the closure will be discussed with businesses prior to the closure.Work will be carried out by Contractors under Council SupervisionShould you wish to discuss this matter further please, contact Tim McLoughlin – Manager Infrastructure Roads, Walgett Shire Council on 02 6828 6100 or email [email protected]

Transport NSW is in the process of training Councils across the region to access the Live Traffic NSW Portal. The OneRoad portal allows individual Councils to update the status of their road networks to include closures, hazards and upcoming scheduled works.The Walgett Shire Council is pleased to announce they are now actively involved in the OneRoad Program. This will enable Council to update road conditions in real-time and ensure motorists receive the latest information.The Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Sam Farraway said “We know Live Traffic NSW is vital during emergency events. When major flooding started late last year, sessions on Live Traffic NSW increased up to 10-fold, so getting more accurate data for all of our roads in the one place is a big win for travellers.”Under this new system, motorists can access information previously posted on Council’s website and social media via the Live Traffic site and third-party apps such as Google Maps, Apple Maps, Waze, and TomTom.

Garbage Collection Services Over The Christmas / New Year PeriodWalgett Shire Council wishes to advise all residents and businesses that garbage collection services within the Shire will operate and pickup as normal over the upcoming 2022-2023 festive season.Council landfills will be closed on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day, otherwise the landfills will be open as normal.Council’s Contractor will have metal skip bins placed at the front gates for anyone wishing to dispose of rubbish on these two days.Council apologises for any inconvenience caused to residents/ratepayers during this period.Michael Urquhart General Manager

CLOSURE OF COUNCIL’S OFFICES FOR UNION PICNIC DAYMONDAY 5 DECEMBER 2022Council wishes to advise residents that Council’s offices will be closed on Monday 5th December 2022.This includes Walgett Administration Office Lightning Ridge Office Collarenebri Agency Walgett Visitor Information Centre All Depots - Walgett, Lightning Ridge and Collarenebri All Libraries - Walgett, Lightning Ridge and CollarenebriIf you require any urgent assistance on this day, please call 6828 6100 and follow the prompts.Michael UrquhartGENERAL MANAGER