What's News 31 July 2026
Published on 31 July 2026
Temporary Load Limit for Wallaby Rocks Bridge
Transport for NSW is introducing a temporary 10-tonne load limit on Wallaby Rocks Bridge on Hill End Road from Friday 31 July. The load limit is being put into place after Transport identified deterioration in a structural component during engineering inspections. The bridge remains open and is safe for light vehicles to continue using. The load restriction is a precautionary measure while Transport undertakes further inspections and investigations. At this stage, Transport anticipates restoring complete access to the road within one month.
Vehicles greater than 10 tonnes will need to use an alternative route via Ilford/Sofala Road and the Castlereagh Highway. Further information will be provided as investigations progress and arrangements are confirmed.
Household Chemical Cleanout Event
This Sunday, 2 August, Council will be hosting its annual Household Chemical Cleanout to provide residents with a safe and free way to dispose of a wide range of household hazardous materials. Eligible items for disposal include household cleaning fluids, garden and pool chemicals, batteries, paint, motor oil, fire extinguishers, gas bottles and smoke detectors.
This event is a safe and convenient way to protect our communities and public health. Items can be brought to Harris Park, Mount Panorama on Sunday 2 August from 11am-2pm for free disposal. Please ensure when transporting any chemicals that all containers are sealed, sat upright and aren’t leaking.
Road Pavement Repairs – Howick St
Council’s Bitumen crews are scheduled to commence road repair works in Howick St, between Rankin St and Stewart St, on Monday 3 August.
The repair works are expected to take 2-3 weeks, weather permitting, and will involve multiple asphalt pavement repairs to restore the roadway to a safe condition.
During the repair period, traffic control will be in place daily between 7:00am and 4:00pm. For further information or enquiries regarding these works, please contact Council’s Department of Engineering Services on (02) 6333 6100.
Coffee with a Councillor | Local Government Week
Catch up with Councillors next Tuesday 4 August from 10.30am to 11.30am at the Bathurst Rail Museum. This information session allows residents to chat to Councillors about projects or issues in an informal setting.
Community Feedback Invited on TAFE Heritage Precinct
Council is seeking community feedback on the Strategic Framework for the future revitalisation of the Bathurst TAFE Heritage Precinct.
The Strategic Framework sets the long-term vision and guiding principles for transforming this important heritage site into a vibrant civic, cultural and mixed-use destination. It identifies opportunities to conserve and adaptively reuse the heritage buildings, create new public spaces, improve connections through the precinct, and support carefully integrated development that helps fund the site's long-term renewal. This is the first stage of the project and will guide the preparation of a detailed Masterplan.
Submissions close 20 August 2026.
Water Main Replacement Works – Bradwardine Road
Water main replacement works on Bradwardine Road, between Suttor Street and the Mitchell Highway, will commence on Tuesday 4 August and are expected to take 5 to 6 weeks to complete, subject to weather conditions. The works will involve the excavation, trenching and installation of a new 375mm cast iron water main along the western side of Bradwardine Road.
Construction activities will generally be undertaken between 7am and 5pm, Monday to Friday. No weekend works are currently anticipated, however, they may be required should unforeseen circumstances arise. Traffic control will be in place throughout the works, and motorists are requested to obey all signage and directions from traffic controllers and drive to the changed road conditions. For further information, please contact Council's Engineering Department during business hours on (02) 6333 6100.
Trunkey Road Level Crossing Safety Upgrades
UGL Regional Linx (UGLRL) will be carrying out level crossing upgrade works at Trunkey Road, Perthville to improve safety for all users. The work will be completed between Saturday 15 August and Wednesday 19 August, with a temporary road closure in place and a 23km detour via Trunkey Road, Rockley Street, Cow Flat Road, Rockley Road, Bathurst Street, Bridge Street and Vale Road from 6am on Saturday 15 August to 6pm on Sunday 16 August, weather permitting.
To complete the work as quickly as possible, crews will work continuously from Saturday 15 August to Monday 17 August, including during the day, evening and overnight. There will be some noise associated with the works but will be intermittent. Signage will be installed at key locations to advise road users and the community of the work and detour.
Please direct enquiries to the UGL Project Infoline on 1300 661 390 or via email at enquiry@uglregionallinx.com.au.
Bathurst has been successful in receiving funding from Multicultural NSW which will be used to deliver a new event for Bathurst ‘The Kaleidoscope Festival,’ to be held 7 November at Victoria Park.
To bring the event to life, Council is seeking a vibrant mix of food vendors, market stalls, performers and workshop facilitators that reflect the many cultures represented in our community.
Public Consultation on Bathurst Flood Study Update
Council, with the support of the NSW Government, is currently undertaking a Flood Study Update for the Macquarie Wambuul River floodplain in the Bathurst area.
Council invites written submissions in relation to the draft Bathurst flood study update. Any submission needs to be lodged with Council by 4pm on Friday 28 August 2026 and must include your name and address. Any submission that you make may be included without alteration (including names and addresses) in reports that are available to the public in Council business papers.
Written submissions can be lodged through Council’s Yoursay page.
Footpath Repairs – George St
Footpath repairs will be taking place at 76 George St commencing 17 August. Works are expected to take one week, weather permitting.
Have Your Say on Accessibility and Inclusion
Council is developing the Disability Inclusion Action Plan 2027-2031 and we want to hear from you. Share your thoughts on how we can make our city more accessible for everyone. Whether you're a person with disability, a carer, service provider, local businesses or community member, your voice matters.
Hard copies of the survey are also available at the Bathurst Library and Bathurst Civic Centre, including an Easy Read version.
Your feedback will help shape Council’s Disability Inclusion Action Plan 2027-2031. Everyone who provides feedback will go into the draw to win a $50 Buy Local gift card, terms and conditions apply.
If you need help with the survey, please call 02 6333 6523. Additional assistance is available through the Voice Relay: 1300 555 727 or the TTY (Teletypewriter): 133 677.
Survey closes Wednesday 5 August 2026.
Council resolved at its meeting on 17 June 2026 to place the previously adopted 2025 Code of Meeting Practice back on public exhibition for public comment after a disallowance motion was passed in the NSW Legislative Council, meaning the adopted Code was no longer valid.
Council resolved to retain a number of changes introduced under the previously adopted 2025 Code of Meeting Practice. To retain those provisions, an amendment to the Code is required.
Submissions must be lodged by 4pm on Monday 10 August 2026.
Great Western Highway closed in both directions between Little Hartley and Mount Victoria
Traffic on the Great Western Highway is being diverted at Lithgow to travel along Main Street, Chifley Road and the Darling Causeway before rejoining the highway at Mount Victoria due to cracks discovered at Victoria Pass in March 2026. Motorists are advised to allow extra travel time. School buses will be diverting away from the area.
Announced late June 2026, Seymour Whyte has been awarded the construction contract. Major works are expected to begin in July 2026, with the current reopening timeline set for mid-2027. The engineering solution will be a new bridge structure built over Mitchells Causeway, supported by deep piling into stable bedrock, with the heritage causeway being stabilised at the same time.
Transport for NSW will be running temporary additional train services and free coach services to support communities like ours impacted by this disruption.
Australia Day Awards | Nominations now open
Nominations are now open for the 2027 Australia Day Awards. Categories include Youth Arts, Youth Service, and Event of the Year, covering Destination Event, Community Event, and Most Outstanding New Event.
Youth Arts and Youth Service nominations close Friday 6 November 2026. Event of the Year nominations close Friday 8 January 2027.
Media contact: Genevieve Green Media and Communications Officer