Council has commenced work on reducing the Prickly Pear numbers throughout the Shire. Over 100 plants were sprayed in Hermidale alone and will be reinspected in 6 to 8 weeks to see if the chemical has taken effect. Another area of Hermidale will require spraying, which should be conducted over the next couple of weeks. Prickly Pear was also infected with biocontrol measures and was intentionally left unsprayed of chemical to let biocontrol agent take effect. Both methods of control for the Prickly Pear are required for long term efficient management. UGL have been notified of the Prickly Pear within their area of control along the rail corridor.
The Girilambone Train Carriage restoration has begun and is well into progress, with the final coat of paint being completed in heritage colours. The Train Carriage restoration is part of funding under the Australian Government’s Local Roads and Community Infrastructure (LRCI) Program.
The Shire has a few railway projects happening recently, residents may have seen that UGL are replacing the colorbond fencing between the Nyngan Coach House and the railway turntable, with metal palisade fence. Council advocated for this improvement in 2024 due to the proximity of this popular area to the rail line to ensure the safety of residents and visitors.
Road maintenance throughout the Shire in the next fortnight is continuing; resheeting of Tubbavilla Rd, continued resheeting section of Monkey Bridge Road, continued grading of Pangee Road, commencement grading of Canonba Road, re-commence resheeting on Coffils Lane, shoulder grading of the Barrier Highway has also been taking place with changed traffic conditions.
Annual Duck Creek Picnic Races will be on Saturday the 5th July 2025. The race meet always brings a great crowd to town and extra tourism for businesses leading up to the day. I have been told it’s going to be bigger and better this year so whether you’re a punter or just like to frock up for a day out and support local and their chosen charity, you can purchase tickets online at 123tix.com.au. Well done to Rowen Cleaver and his hard-working committee.
On Wednesday 2nd July 2025, myself, Derek Francis and Infrastructure Senior Staff of Council have been invited to attend a meeting with Minister Rose Jackson MLC, Minister of Water, Housing, Homelessness, Mental Health and Youth to inspect the Nyngan weir pool, emergency water storage and the Albert Priest Channel.
My deepest condolences to the Ward family on the loss of David Ward. Dave was very respected in Nyngan and I’m sure there will be many who feel his loss throughout the Bogan Shire.
Mayor Glen Neill