Jo Rodda- Wentworth Shire Councillor

31/08/2026

Under the NSW Government's new statewide Community Participation Plan which comes into effect tomorrow, Tuesday 1 September 2026, Wentworth Shire Council's current plan will be replaced.
Under the new State imposed plan there are number of things that residents need to be aware of!
Under the State Environmental Planning Policy (Exempt and Complying Development Codes) 2008, certain Complying development applications are not publicly exhibited as they meet specific development standards established for straight forward, low impact projects.
Therefore, there is no opportunity to provide feedback.
This means that for those development types, there will no notification to neighbours and no opportunity for Council to place conditions on a development application.
The document is available via the link in the original post below.
For examples of development types excluded from public exhibition, please see Table 6 on Page 24

From tomorrow, Tuesday 1 September 2026, a new statewide Community Participation Plan will come into effect, replacing Wentworth Shire Council’s current plan.

Finalised by the NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure, this framework standardises public consultation requirements and exhibition timeframes for planning functions across New South Wales.

Residents and stakeholders are encouraged to view the new guidelines:
• Online: https://cl.s10.exct.net/?qs=ABB7InYiOjEsImQiOjQ5ODF9AAoAAAAABEiPJxLW8CztFO-TtGxpY0o2Sge76WAkxqgAvlfumdZqNugmgk7wtRbl6ZknKy3UKt5t5Sy4aMbV5_8Du12_pHlLj7ufG7zA4lgzzw
• In person: At Council’s administrative office, 61 Darling Street, Wentworth.

Please note that Wentworth Shire Council is not responsible for preparing or approving the Statewide Community Participation Plan.

If you have any questions regarding how these changes apply locally, please contact Council’s Health and Planning department on (03) 5027 5027 or email [email protected].

27/08/2026

Our Wentworth Shire Libraries do some fabulous work! The crew have some wonderful programs coming up in the Wentworth, Dareton & Midway Libraries.
Make a booking and keep the kids entertained

04/08/2026

Proud Gol Gol moment today with the unveiling of the Tom Modica sign on the pathway from Gol Gol to Buronga.
Mr Modica has been an absolute stalwart of the Gol Gol community.
Happy 92nd birthday today too 🥳

03/08/2026

The Far West Strategic Regional Integrated Transport Plan will provide a 20-year vision of the key transport priorities for the region.
The Far West Strategic Regional Integrated Transport Plan (SRITP) will offer an integrated planning approach to transport infrastructure and services in the region, reflecting the distinctive local area and the specific needs of the region’s communities.
Community and stakeholders are invited to have their say on the Draft Plan and initiatives.
Feedback will help refine the Plan by understanding what is most important to you. This will guide decision-making about investments in future transport services and infrastructure across the region.
https://www.haveyoursay.nsw.gov.au/sritp/far-west

03/08/2026

The Australian Inland Botanic Gardens Mildura-Wentworth are developing a world class children's nature play garden and need community input into the design.

Your participation in this online Children’s Garden Consultation Survey will contribute to the design of the space, influencing how it reflects the community’s values and preferences.

The Australian Inland Botanic Gardens (AIBG) is uniquely located within the Murray River region at Buronga, NSW, showcasing 50ha of developed garden beds within a semi-arid zone.

Within the Botanic Gardens is the Children’s Garden, developed in 2009. As part of a Masterplan for the AIBG, the Children’s Garden is being revitalised, with a focus on nature play.

The theme of the play space will celebrate the garden’s ‘sense of place’ including its history, culture and biodiversity. The reimagined space will be inclusive and cater for children and young people of differing abilities and cultural backgrounds.

We are seeking the community’s input to the design of the Children’s Garden.

Consultation Survey
Your participation in this online Children’s Garden Consultation Survey will contribute to the design of the space, influencing how it reflects the community’s values and preferences.

We estimate it will take you approximately 10 minutes to complete the survey.

We appreciate your time and thank you for participating!

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/GTDSH73

24/07/2026

Fantastic for funding to be secured for a much needed upgrade at the Carramar Drive Sporting Complex.
The new amenities will provide a more inclusive and welcoming environment for female athletes and support increased participation in sport and recreation across the community.

Wentworth Shire Council has secured $616,000 through the Crown Reserve Improvement Fund to deliver new female change rooms and toilet facilities at the Carramar Drive Sporting Complex.

The new amenities will provide a more inclusive and welcoming environment for female athletes and support increased participation in sport and recreation across the community.

Read the media release and follow the project:
https://engage.wentworth.nsw.gov.au/new-female-amenities-carramar-drive-sporting-complex

17/07/2026

Commencing 5 October 2026, eligible households will transition to a 3-bin kerbside collection service.
Want to find out more? Drop into one of the community sessions

Wentworth Shire Council announces an upgrade to waste management services. Commencing 5 October 2026, eligible households will transition to a 3-bin kerbside collection service.

Delivered in partnership with Halve Waste, this initiative introduces a 240L Food and Garden Waste bin and 240L Recycling Bin alongside your 240L General Waste bin. This upgrade is a step toward improving resource recovery, ensuring sustainability of waste services, and reducing the volume of waste sent to the Buronga Landfill.

Bins, kitchen caddies, Council approved compostable liners and key information will be delivered in the final two weeks of September.

Kerbside collections will continue to be operated by Council's contractor, with your regular weekly collection day remaining unchanged. The new 3-bin service will operate on a fortnightly rotation:
- Week 1 (5 October – 7 October 2026): General Waste and Food and Garden Waste bins.
- Week 2 (Commencing 12 October 2026): Recycling and Food and Garden Waste bins.

Community Drop-in Sessions
To assist the community in preparing for this transition, Council is hosting drop-in sessions across the Shire between July and August 2026. Council staff will be on hand to explain collection schedules and provide guidance on correctly sorting household waste.

Please see the image in this post for drop-in session dates, times, and location details.

We encourage residents to familiarise themselves with the service prior to the October rollout. For further information, please visit: engage.wentworth.nsw.gov.au/3-bins

15/07/2026

This afternoon at the NSW Fire Service Awards, recognition was given to many long serving volunteers, including a memorial for one of Gol Gol's own, Terry Wilkinson.
The framed collage of Terry's Fire service awards will be on display at the Gol Gol Brigade in memory of Terry's long distinguished service to the community.
Congratulations to all of the volunteers who were recognised and thank you to all who donate their time for our community 👏

13/07/2026

Did you know that there is a community recycling station at the Wentworth Shire Council Midway Centre?
Pop in and see the friendly staff and safely dispose of you batteries, fluoro globes, mobile phones & old smoke detectors. Whilst there check out the fabulous resources and programs in the Wentworth Shire Libraries

09/07/2026

There are a great range of things to do in our fabulous Shire. Check out the Why Not Winter In Wentworth Campaign
https://experiencewentworth.com.au/EventPages/Why-Not-Winter-In-Wentworth-Week-2.aspx