Brewarrina and Walgett could be on the move, after Transport for NSW visited both towns to discuss the future of public transport in the community. 

The residents have been asked to fill out a survey to discuss transport options around both shires, and this week Transport for NSW held face-to-face consultations in both towns to discuss the demand for transport services. 

For both towns, transport options are limited, and those who own a car or hold a driver’s license are inhibited. 

“(public transport) is not all that good here,” said Walgett Shire Council Mayor Jasen Ramien. 

“The bus to Dubbo would be the main one, but it pulls up at each town. It’s a lot of time sitting on a bus.”

Similarly, NSW Aboriginal Land Council North West councillor Anne Dennis said that public transport around the community is also lacking.

“Collarenebri has a bus that runs to Moree once a fortnight to do shopping, but for people that wanted to get on a Countrylink from Walgett to Dubbo, they’ve still got to get 75 kilometres from Collarenebri to Walgett.”

With so many small villages outside of Walgett town, providing a strong transport network is difficult. 

“People need to access medical services, more and more you have to travel to Tamworth or Dubbo. How do you actually access that?” Cr Dennis said.

“The different needs are quite intricate and can be quite complex, but I think by people working together, solutions can be put in place.”

Transport for NSW Regional Director West Alistair Lunn said that the survey would provide information on current service gaps and opportunities. 

“We have already consulted with existing service providers in Walgett and understand their perspectives and now it’s time to hear the voices of the community to create a holistic approach to the ways people use public transport.”

While there are no guarantees that the transport needs identified can be delivered, Transport for NSW noted that it’s important to identify projects for if funding were to become available. 

“So far we have received a number of responses during the consultation and the information we have received from the community is giving us valuable insight into…the wants and needs of the community,” a spokesperson for Transport for NSW said. 

There is still time to have your say.

The short survey can be accessed online for Walgett at www.haveyoursay.nsw.gov.au/walgett-transport or for Brewarrina at www.haveyoursay.nsw.gov.au/brewarrina-transport.

Hard copies are available at the Walgett Shire Council administration office or the Brewarrina Local Aboriginal Land Council.