Brewarrina Shire Council welcomed the NSW Minister for Roads and Minister for Regional Transport, Jenny Aitchison, and Transport for NSW Acting Regional Director West, Holly Davies, back to town last week.

The discussion ranged from progress on key roadworks in the shire through to the successful 'bike kitchens' run with young people in Brewarrina, Weilmoringlle and Goodooga.

Brewarrina Shire Council General Manager David Kirby said it was wonderful to welcome Minister Aitchison back to Bre again – her third visit to the region during her tenure.

“I thank Minister Aitchison and Mrs Davies for taking the time to meet with the Mayor, Deputy Mayor, Council staff and I during their recent tour of the region. It was great to hear from the Minister on a range of initiatives and funding opportunities to further better our Shire,” said Mr Kirby.

“We also took the opportunity to thank and acknowledge Minister Aitchison for the ongoing support and funding she has delivered, or helped to deliver to our region, as well as update her on the significant progress and successful delivery on a range of key projects funded and supported by the NSW Government, and the long term benefits these projects are having for our community.

“We are committed to improving the road infrastructure within our Shire. Despite challenges posed by fluctuating weather patterns, our road networks have been maintained and enhanced, benefiting residents, businesses, and visitors alike.

"The ongoing support from grant providers and state bodies, like Minister Aitchison and Transport for NSW, have been invaluable in helping us achieve our transport goals.”

At the meeting, Council updated Minister Aitchison on a number of key projects, as well as highlighting the wider benefits these projects had on the community, including employment opportunities.

Key projects included:

• Jobs Gate Road – funded by Fixing Local Roads and Transport for NSW. Stage One, Two and Three of the sealing project are now completed, resulting in 37 kilometres of new sealed road infrastructure. This marks a significant milestone in improving connectivity for the Weilmoringle community and the wider regional road network. Stage Four is expected to get underway in May which will see an additional 11 kilometres sealed beyond Weilmoringle, further extending this project and improving access to remote communities and supporting economic growth to the QLD border and the Paroo Shire.

• Weilmoringle Pathway – funded by NSW Government Active Transport Grant. 1.6-kilometre shared pathway from Wytalibah Aboriginal Reserve to Weilmoringle Post Office and school, facilitating improved pedestrian safety and night visibility. This is the first ever formalised footpath in Weilmoringle, contributing to safer and more accessible movement through town, particularly benefiting children and elderly residents.

• Essential maintenance and repairs of the road network and state highways, including slashing, heavy patching, weed spraying, pothole repair, resealing and heavy patching as part of the Road Maintenance Council Contract (RMCC).

• Bangate Road – NSW Block Grant. Resealing of sections of the Bangate Road completed, improving safety and connectivity, and expanding work opportunities.

• Brenda Road box culverts - Design and construction of two culvert crossings on the Goodooga Brenda Road to improve connectivity and safety especially during wet weather. Design is now completed, with construction to commence in July 2025.

• Extensive resealing, pothole repair and heavy patching completed in Goodooga, and set to begin in Brewarrina thanks to the NSW Government Pothole Repair Fund.

• Key roads such as Goodooga Road, Hebel Road, and Goodooga town roads underwent extensive heavy patching, covering over 45,000 square meters. This initiative has significantly improved road conditions on Adam Street, Reserve Road, and Queensland Street benefiting the residents of the Goodooga town.

• The Bike Kitchen program has been thriving since Council took over the project earlier this year, with almost 60 bikes repaired through sessions in Brewarrina, Goodooga and Weilmoringle, just in time for students to return to school. The Kitchens were a success, not only in terms of the volume of repairs but also the community coming together. It’s also providing local youth with training and purpose fostering personal growth and community cohesion.