Council Update

Conversation with the GM

Wet Weather Slows Road Repairs Across the Shire

Recent rain has been welcome, but it’s also creating challenges for road maintenance across Blayney Shire.

Unsealed roads are being hit the hardest, with ongoing rain and limited dry periods making it difficult for crews to carry out lasting repairs. Council manages around 335km of unsealed roads and 381km of sealed roads, and teams are constantly assessing and prioritising work based on safety risks and the severity of damage.

At the moment, all three of the Council’s graders are currently working across the Shire in Millthorpe, Forest Reefs and Lyndhurst. However, progress is slower than usual due to very wet ground conditions, which makes it harder to repair roads effectively. In the meantime, crews are continuing patching work to reduce risks where possible. Council is urging all road users to drive according to the conditions, follow signage, and take extra care, particularly on gravel roads.

Council appreciates the community’s patience as these works take longer than normal. Crews, supported by contractors, are working as quickly as conditions allow to keep the road network safe.

There is some positive news, with the Council approving increased funding for road works in the 2026/27 Operational Plan, supported by additional funding through the Australian Government’s Roads to Recovery program.

	Budget increase	Revised 26/27 total
Gravel Resheeting Program	$260k	$700k
Heavy Patching Program	$354k	$962k
Reseal Program	$284k	$771k

Please be patient while the necessary repairs are completed, as our Maintenance and Construction crews, with the assistance of contractors, are working as fast as they can with the resources available to them to complete the repairs across Blayney Shire Council’s entire road network. Residents can report local road issues or contact Council online via the Council website.

For NSW State roads, such as Orange Road-Millthorpe Road and the Mid Western Highway, maintenance is managed by Transport for NSW. Road users are encouraged to report any issues directly to Transport for NSW via their website: https://roads-waterways.transport.nsw.gov.au/contact-us/index.html?redirected. This then identifies where the potholes are located.

Millthorpe Fire Fair to light up festival opening night

The Orange Region Fire Festival will kick off in style with the much-loved Millthorpe Fire Fair on Friday 7 August, transforming the historic village into a glowing winter celebration.

Heritage-listed Pym Street will come alive from 5pm with fire pits, live music and street performers, alongside local food, wine, cider and boutique shopping. The event is a highlight of the festival calendar, drawing families, visitors and locals together for a lively community evening.

Adding to the experience this year is the popular Fire Train, offering return trips between Orange and Millthorpe from 5pm to 9pm. Tickets include entry to the Fire Fair, making it an easy and memorable way to travel to the event. Passengers will arrive at Millthorpe Heritage Station and stroll straight into the festivities.

With marshmallow roasting, kids’ activities and late-night shopping, the Fire Fair promises a warm and welcoming start to the festival.

Council Update

Public Exhibition

Following the June 2026 Ordinary Meeting, Council is seeking comment on the following document which is on public exhibition:
• Liquid Trade Waste Guidelines

This document is available for viewing and downloading on Council’s Documents on Public Exhibition page. 

Council is inviting written submissions to be received prior to 5.00pm Thursday 16 July 2026.

Public Exhibition

Adelaide Street North / St Joseph’s School (Access from Mid-Western Highway) 

Following the June 2026 Ordinary Meeting, Council is seeking comment on the proposal with ongoing traffic issues around the intersection of Hill Street and Adelaide Street North during school pick up and drop off times prompted a review of the current parking and bus zone arrangement.

The key components of the proposal are:

• Relocation of the bus zone from Hill St to Adelaide St. 
• Reconfiguration of traffic priorities at the Hill Street Intersection 
• Conversion of Hill street to a dedicated vehicle pick-up and drop-off area. 
• Upgrade of the existing pedestrian crossing to a Children’s crossing. 

Council is inviting written submissions to be received prior to 5.00pm Monday, 27 July 2026.

 

Visitor Economy Working Group – Expressions of Interest

Community members who own or operate an active visitor economy business in Blayney Shire are invited to express their interest in joining Council’s new Visitor Economy Working Group. The advisory group will help Blayney Shire Council strengthen engagement with local industry and provide practical feedback on visitor economy priorities, destination marketing and opportunities to support tourism across the Shire.

Expressions of interest are open to operators from across the visitor economy, including accommodation, food and dining, retail, arts and culture, events, visitor services and related experiences. Members will be asked to share local industry perspectives, identify opportunities and challenges, and help ensure Council’s visitor economy activity reflects the needs of businesses across Blayney Shire’s towns and villages.

The Working Group will operate for an initial 12-month term, with at least two meetings to be held each year. People interested in taking part can find more information, including eligibility and expression of interest details, on the Blayney Shire Council website. EOI closes 5pm, 3 July, 2026.

Council Meeting

The July Ordinary Meeting of Council will be held in the Chambers, Blayney Shire Community Centre, on Tuesday 28 July 2026, commencing at 6.00pm. Members of the community are welcome to attend. A copy of the Business Paper will be available on Council’s website prior to the meeting.

You can also tune in live