What's News 24 October
Published on 24 October 2025
Upcoming Road Reconstruction Works – Freemantle Road
Commencing Monday 3 November, Council will begin reconstruction of approximately 1.4km of Freemantle Road from near the southern approach to the Freemantle Rural Fire Service shed to the Killongbutta Road intersection. Works include widening of the existing bitumen pavement, installation of new concrete piped drainage culverts, enhancement of existing table drainage, placement of additional road base material to raise the road profile in selected areas, stabilisation of the new pavement to improve long-term structural integrity, and application of a new bitumen spray seal surface upon completion of the reconstruction. The project is expected to take approximately 6 to 8 weeks, weather dependent. During this period, traffic control measures will be in place.
Please contact Council’s Manager Works directly on (02) 6333 6223 during business hours if you require further information.
Temporary road closure - 2025 NAIDOC march
Bathurst's NAIDOC week march will be held on Monday 27 October.
The march will move from Haymarket Reserve along William Street to Machattie Park.
One lane of William Street will be closed from the corner of William and Durham Street through to Machattie Park from approximately 10am until 11am on Monday while the march occurs.
Temporary Road Closure 2025 Mount Panorama Punish
The Mount Panorama Motor Racing Circuit will be temporarily closed to traffic on Sunday 26 October from 7.45am until 9.30am, to conduct the Mount Panorama Punish. Alternative traffic conditions will be in place via Barry Gurdon Drive for persons wishing to gain access to the top of the Mount. Resident access will be available during the closure. All enquiries regarding the Event should be directed to Bathurst Regional Council on 6333 6111.
Submissions Open for Australia Day Awards 2026
Nominations are open for the 2026 Australia Day Awards. This includes Bathurst’s Citizen of the Year, our Living Legends, the Youth Arts Awards, and a new award for 2026, the Youth Community Service Award. Nominations for these awards will close Friday 7 November 2025.
The Event of the Year award is also open for nominations. There are three categories to be awarded, including Destination Event of the Year, Community Event of the Year, as well as the most outstanding New Event of the Year. Nominations for these awards can be made up until Friday 9 January 2026.
Place 360: Bathurst’s Economic Update
Join Council and the Bathurst Business Chamber for the annual economic and demographic update, presented by .id Community. Get the latest insights into Bathurst’s growth, trends, and opportunities.
-Tuesday 11 November 2025
A must-attend event for anyone interested in the future of our region!
Bathurst Rural Strategy Open for Community Input
Over the coming months, Council is preparing a Rural Strategy to guide the management of our rural areas into the future. Council wants to hear your thoughts on what matters most and how we can balance growth, lifestyle, and protection of the land we value. Have your say via this link: https://yoursay.bathurst.nsw.gov.au/rural-strategy
The closing date for survey submissions and commentary is 28 November 2025.
Upcoming Road Works – Prince Street, Perthville
Drainage and road construction works in Prince Street between Church and Rockley Streets are scheduled to commence Monday 20 October 2025. Please note that a full road closure will be required from week commencing 27 October 2025 to facilitate further construction activities. Council is working closely with local bus companies and the school to ensure they are informed and can plan accordingly. Immediate residents will still be permitted access and are requested to follow traffic control guidance as directed.
Roadworks | O’Connell Road
Council is carrying out essential repair work on behalf of Transport for NSW on a 300-metre section of O’Connell Road, between Bathurst and Oberon. Works will be carried out Monday to Friday between 7am and 6pm from Tuesday 14 October. Works are expected to take three weeks to complete, weather permitting.
Work will include removing, reshaping and reinforcing the existing embankments to repair slope failures, as well as replacing barrier guard rails along the roadside.
Partial Road Closure | Hamilton Street Eglinton
As part of Council’s Resurfacing Program 2025/26, our bitumen crews are carrying out work on Hamilton St, Eglinton. This commenced Monday 13 October 2025 and is set to take approximately 3-4 weeks, weather permitting.
While this work is underway, the road will be under traffic control daily from 6:30am to 3:30pm. Motorists are requested to abide by the changed traffic conditions and the directive of traffic controllers. Expect some short delays, and detours may be in place as well. If you have any queries regarding this matter, feel free to contact Council’s Department of Engineering Services (02) 6333 6100.
Join Bathurst Library and WIN!
In October, join Bathurst Library + borrow 5 books in one visit and go in the draw to win newly released, award-winning books. There are two book packs available.
Each new member is automatically a winner, with their library card providing:
• Free access to online newspapers and magazines
• Free eBooks and eAudiobooks
• Free access to books and DVDs
On 29 August 2025, the Office of Local Government via Circular 25-20 released an updated Model Code of Meeting Practice. The circular noted that the Model Code must adopt a Code of Meeting Practice that incorporates the mandatory provisions of the 2025 Model Meeting Code by 31 December 2025.
Among other changes, the mandatory provisions of the 2025 Model Meeting Code will prohibit pre-meeting briefings. Councils must also livestream meetings of the council and committees comprising wholly of councillors from 1 January 2026 using an audio-visual recording. Recordings of meetings must be published on the council’s website for the balance of the council term or for 12 months, whichever is the later date.
More detailed information about the changes to council meeting practices made by the 2025 Model Meeting Code is provided in the FAQ document provided in the document library. All 31 submissions already received will be considered in conjunction with any new submissions received during this exhibition period.
Bathurst Regional Council Monthly eNewsletter
Sign up to our monthly eNewsletter to stay up to date with everything happening at Council, from projects and major works to news and events.
Media contact: Genevieve Green Media and Communications Officer