Far West NSW communities have access to a safer, more resilient and smoother Pooncarie Road following completion of historic $48.8 million Australian and NSW Government-funded sealing projects.
The Australian Government invested $31.7 million and the NSW Government contributed $17.1 million to the projects, which were delivered by Wentworth Shire Council and Central Darling Shire Council between 2021 and 2024.
Before the projects were delivered, an 87.5-kilometre stretch of Pooncarie Road between Menindee and Pooncarie had a dirt surface that meant motorists had to deal with a less safe surface, slower travel times and regular road closures after heavy rainfall leaving some communities cut off for weeks at a time.
The sealing projects completed in recent months have led to easier access to essential services communities rely on, while also boosting freight efficiency and improving access to tourism opportunities, including for visitors to the popular Menindee Lakes.
More than 75 people worked on the sealing projects which also provided a boost to local employment.
Quotes attributable to Federal Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King:
“These important road sealing projects have involved many people in the local community and I’m pleased to hear all the hard work that has gone into it has paid off.
“This has been a big job and a joint effort – and one which the Australian Government has been proud to invest in.
“I’m particularly pleased to see that as a result of these projects, all vehicles, including caravans, can now enjoy year-round access to the mighty Menindee Lakes and Mungo National Park.”
NSW Regional Transport and Roads Minister Jenny Aitchison:
“The full sealing of Pooncarie Road has cut travel times by around 90 minutes between Menindee and Wentworth.
“Previously some vehicles had to do 20 km/h along parts of the dirt road and it could be impassable when there was wet weather.
“It’s great to hear reports of increased tourism numbers to Menindee and Pooncarie since the sealing took place.
“The NSW Government is proud to have invested in such significant projects in the state’s Far West. These projects have delivered major safety, economic and social benefits to some of our important outback communities.”
Senator for NSW Deborah O’Neill:
“The previous deficiencies of this route were acutely felt by communities who use Pooncarie Road.
“Completing this upgrade is huge news for everyone who relies on what is one of the region’s major arterial routes.
“Pooncarie Road now more safely and reliably provides vital connections to emergency and health services, schools, and employment opportunities.”
State Member for Barwon Roy Butler:
“This project has been a real game changer for local communities with motorists now able to travel on a reliable road surface that’s much safer and resilient to wet weather.
“Improved access for tourists, locals and freight services will benefit these Far West communities including the western pastoralists who are operating sheep, goat and cattle industries in the area.”
State Member for Murray Helen Dalton:
“These projects are a good example of all three levels of government working together to make this long overdue sealing a reality.
“I’m happy more of our communities are benefiting from better roads.”
Member of the NSW Legislative Council Stephen Lawrence:
“Our investments in a better Pooncarie Road will benefit current and future generations for many years to come.
“Rural and regional communities rely on roads for so much of their well-being and I am pleased to see these improvements to Far West roads being delivered.”
Wentworth Shire Mayor Daniel Linklater:
“This is a transformative milestone for our region.
“The sealing of Pooncarie Road, connecting Pooncarie to Menindee, is a game-changer for tourism, road users, and local economies.
“Reliable year-round access makes travelling safer and more enjoyable while opening up new opportunities for local businesses, with Pooncarie already seeing travellers arriving earlier than ever before.
“I commend both Wentworth Shire Council and Central Darling Shire Council working together to deliver this vital upgrade.
“The improved connectivity benefits communities across both shires, strengthens regional ties, supports freight and supply chains, and draws more visitors to iconic destinations.
“We are proud to have partnered with the Australian and NSW governments on these major projects. I look forward to seeing the lasting economic and social benefits these projects will bring to our communities and beyond.”
Central Darling Shire Council General Manager Greg Hill:
“Central Darling Shire Council appreciates the funding support from the Australian and NSW governments because the road desperately needed to be sealed for road safety reasons.
“Now we can keep the road open during wet conditions, benefiting both residents and tourists.
“This is a significant achievement. I would like to congratulate everyone involved in these projects over the last three years including our Shire Services Director, and the project manager for council, Reece Wilson, and his team.
“These are major projects for not only our shire but also the Far West region. The benefits will be long lasting. We also expect to see more tourists visiting the area now that the road is sealed.”