Media releases around local traffic situations are a thing of the past in Warrumbungle Shire as they move to join a number of other local councils with access to live traffic information.

Live Traffic NSW provides real-time information about roads and changed traffic conditions that affect travel on roads throughout NSW.

“Council has been working closely with the NSW Government on the Live Traffic NSW website and app for updates within the Warrumbungle Shire,” said Warrumbungle Shire Council Mayor, Ambrose Doolan.

“This now means that Live Traffic NSW will be the main source of information for road closures, emergency road incidents, adverse weather conditions and community events effecting the roads throughout the Local Government Area.”

“Council will be directly updating the road closure information as soon as it comes in onto the Live Traffic platform, so users can expect real time information about incidents and changes in traffic conditions that may impact their travels.”

Larissa Mallinson, spokesperson for Live Traffic NSW said the local councils were well equipped to take on the task.

"Councils have had training and are equipped to update live traffic," she said. "In some cases, council may have had to add extra staff but all are adequately resourced."

In January, the Western Plains App reported that Live Traffic NSW had expanded to include local roads with Bourke, Brewarinna, Walgett and Warren Shire Councils onboarded to help with keeping the system updated.

Now with Warrumbungle on board, residents and visitors only need to go to one source to find out the latest road closure/incident information for the Warrumbungle Shire Council Area.

Warrumbungle Shire announced that over the next 12 months Council they will also be expanding their information in Live Traffic to include other events such as scheduled roadworks, which will make it easier for travelers and community members to make the best possible travel decisions when traveling across the Local Government Area.

"The overall management of Live Traffic NSW is undertaken by the Traffic Management Centre (TMC), which is a NSW Government Agency and Council is already a key agency working with the TMC," Mr Doolan said. "This relationship has only been strengthened by Council now using Live Traffic NSW to record local road closure information. This partnership supports the goal, and that of the of other key agencies, to maximise the safety and efficiency of the NSW road network."

Melanie Suitor, Road Safety and Injury Prevention Officer for Lachlan Shire told Western Plains App she welcomed the local introduction of the system.

"Any system that will help prevent injuries or accidents is a good thing," she said. "It is good for locals and tourists alike as road conditions can change instantly. Previously people have needed to contact councils directly to find out things like roads blocked from flooding. This new system means the information is at our fingertips."

You can find a handy link to Live Traffic NSW on the Western Plains App.