Council Projects

Food Organics and Garden Organics (FOGO) Service Implementation

Cabonne Council is introducing a new FOGO (Food Organics and Garden Organics) kerbside collection service for eligible residents. This initiative supports NSW Government waste reduction targets and will help divert organic waste from landfill. The service will provide households with a green lid bin, weekly collection, and supporting resources including a kitchen caddy. The bin rollout is scheduled to begin in January 2028, with the full-service implementation by April 2028. Council will continue community education throughout 2026 and 2027, undertake additional waste audits from June 2026 onward, finalise rollout logistics and materials and commence delivery and service rollout in 2028. If you have any questions or general feedback about the FOGO service and rollout, please visit Have Your Say Cabonne. 

Peak Hill Rd Upgrade (ROSI)

Work is continuing on the major upgrade of Peak Hill Road, with significant progress being made despite recent wet weather impacts.

Cabonne Council secured $30 million in funding to reconstruct Peak Hill Road from a gravel road to a sealed bitumen surface, comprising $27.84 million from the Australian Government and $2.16 million from Council. The project will improve access for heavy vehicles and reduce periods of road closure caused by flooding.

Following a competitive tender process in September 2025, HyNash Constructions of Bathurst was awarded the contract to undertake the reconstruction works, with Council endorsing the appointment at its October 2025 meeting.

Construction is currently progressing across multiple sections of the project. In Stage 1a, crews have completed approximately 85% of works, with excavation to subgrade largely finished and placement of sub-base materials underway. Several culverts have also been installed along the section.

While delays in the supply of some materials and recent wet weather have impacted progress, HyNash Constructions has adjusted its work program to focus on alternative tasks and minimise disruptions to the overall schedule.

Works have also advanced in Stage 1b, where construction to subgrade has been completed in sections. Prior to the recent wet weather, crews had commenced work on sub-base installation and surface drainage.

The Peak Hill Road upgrade is a significant infrastructure project for the region and will deliver safer, more reliable transport connections for residents, local industries and freight operators well into the future.

Fluoridation Project Molong, Cumnock and Yeoval

Project Overview

Cabonne Council is progressing a project to introduce fluoridation at the Molong Water Treatment Plant, which supplies drinking water to the townships of Molong, Cumnock and Yeoval.

Current Project Status

Cabonne Council wishes to advise residents of Molong, Cumnock and Yeoval that the planned commencement of water fluoridation on Wednesday, 29 July has been delayed. In an effort to provide residents with as much notice as possible, Council recently distributed letters advising that fluoridation was expected to commence late July.

Unfortunately, the timing of that community notification has not aligned with the completion of final processes being undertaken by the NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW), resulting in a delay to the commencement date. Council remains committed to introducing fluoridation to the town water supplies and currently expects the system to become operational towards the end of August, subject to final approvals and requirements being completed.

A further update will be provided prior to fluoridation commencing. Please keep the notification letter you received from Council on your fridge and simply update the commencement date by crossing out Wednesday, 29 July and writing Wednesday, 26 August.

How Fluoridation Works

Fluoride is added to drinking water supplied from both the dam and the bore (when the bore is operating). While fluoride occurs naturally in water, health authorities recommend adjusting levels to help support good dental health.

Testing undertaken in 2025 showed naturally occurring fluoride levels of 0.05 mg/L, which is well below the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines (ADWG) maximum of 1.5 mg/L. During treatment, fluoride is added after the water has been clarified and before going through the filters, with a target level of 1.0 mg/L.

Fluoride levels are monitored at a Critical Control Point (CCP). If levels ever exceed 1.5 mg/L, the treatment plant will automatically shut down, ensuring that over‑fluoridated water cannot enter the drinking water supply.

Fluoride Tablets and Supplements

Fluoride tablets or drops are typically prescribed only when drinking water is not fluoridated. Once fluoridation commences, most people should stop taking fluoride supplements, unless they are advised otherwise by a dentist or medical practitioner. Residents are encouraged to seek guidance from their oral health professional if unsure.

Safety and Regulation

Cabonne Council operates in accordance with the NSW Code of Practice for Fluoridation of Public Water Supplies (2018). Strict procedures are in place to manage training, monitoring, reporting and auditing, and all relevant staff have completed the required training. The commissioning of the fluoridation system is currently funded by Council, with reimbursement expected through the NSW Health fluoridation subsidy once approvals are finalised. Residents with concerns are encouraged to refer to NSW Health resources or contact the NSW Health Water Unit on (02) 9391 9939 or email waterqual@doh.health.nsw.gov.au

Cumnock & Yeoval – Potable Water Upgrade

A separate project is underway to formally declare the Cumnock and Yeoval water supplies fully potable.

Key milestones include ongoing water quality monitoring since 2021, the full disinfection of the Molong–Cumnock–Yeoval water main and reservoirs in 2022, and the commencement of routine fortnightly microbiological sampling in July 2025. All physical, chemical and microbiological test results since 2021 meet the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines.

Additional infrastructure has been installed at both reservoirs to allow for extra chlorine dosing if required, and Dual Check Valves (DCVs) were installed at local properties in Cumnock and Yeoval in February 2026. These valves prevent water from private systems, such as rainwater tanks, from flowing back into Council’s network.

While significant progress has been made, the Cumnock and Yeoval water supplies have not yet been officially declared potable. Council will issue a formal announcement once all final approvals are complete.

Council has now completed all reports and documentation required by NSW Health and Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environmental and Water (DCCEEW) to support potable water status for Cumnock and Yeoval.

Eugowra STP Mid-Scale Solar Project

Construction of Cabonne Council's solar plant at the Eugowra Sewer Treatment Plant is nearing completion, with testing and commissioning scheduled for July and August 2026.

The $5.5 million project features more than 4,000 solar panels with a generation capacity of approximately 2.14 megawatts, supported by a 5.5 MWh battery energy storage system. Once operational, the facility will generate enough electricity to power around 537 homes annually and enable surplus energy to be stored or exported during periods of high demand.

Supported by approximately $1.5 million in NSW Government funding through the Resources for Regions Fund, the project is expected to reduce Council's electricity costs, lower reliance on the grid and create opportunities for ongoing revenue through the sale of excess power.

The solar plant will also contribute to Council's sustainability objectives by reducing emissions and supporting long-term energy security, while helping to deliver financial benefits that can be reinvested into community services and infrastructure.

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For more information on any of these projects, please visit Have Your Say Cabonne

YEOVAL

Former Yeoval Golf Club Demolition

EUGOWRA 

Eugowra Hub (Eugowra Sportsground)

Restoration of Memorial Park, Eugowra

Restoration of Eugowra Historical Museum & Bushranger Centre 

Activation of Eugowra CBD

MOLONG

Molong Hockey Field Relocation

Activation of Hunter Caldwell Sports Precinct

MANILDRA

Manildra Multipurpose Courts Relocation

CANOWINDRA

Construction of a cabin at the Canowindra Caravan Park

COMPLETED PROJECTS

Council successfully delivered a number of community infrastructure projects during 2025/26, improving local facilities, enhancing recreational opportunities and supporting community recovery and resilience across the Cabonne region. Completed projects include:

These projects have delivered improved community facilities, enhanced sporting and recreational infrastructure, and important recovery outcomes for communities impacted by natural disasters.

Regional Emergency Road Repairs Fund (RERRF) Drainage Works

Following the completion of this year’s works, the full 4-year program of RERRF works has now been fully expended. Projects which were completed under the program included:

• Davy’s Plains Road, Cudal – Heavy Patching
• Vittoria Road, Millthorpe- Heavy Patching
• Offner Road, Borenore – Drainage and Culverts
• Bowan Park Road, Cudal – Heavy Patching
• Square Road, Moorbel – Drainage and Culverts
• Replacement of the three (3) old concrete causeways on Belubula Way

Roads to Recovery (R2R) Program

The 2025/26 program consisted of the following projects involving gravel road re-sheeting (across the LGA) and the pavement rehabilitation works on Yellowbox Road.

The gravel road resheeting works completed were:

South Area

• Randall Street 
• Cable Street
• Mackay’s Creek Road
• Waterhole Creek Road
• Collet Street
• Jacks Leap Road

North Area

• Back Saleyards Road
• Cudumble Road, Cumnock
• Goodrich Road
• Gullendah Road
• Heads Road
• Thomas Road

East Area

• Bulgas Road 
• Watts Road
• Underwood Road
• Caldwell Road
• Long Point Road

Bitumen Road Resealing Program

The projects are now completed which included sections along: 

1. Fish Fossil Road
2. Yellowbox Road
3. Baldry Road
4. Spring Hill Road
5. Garra Road
6. Gumble Road - including pavement works
7. Belgravia Road
8. Icely Road
9. Borenore Road

Regional Road Program

Three projects were completed on the Regional Road Network and funded from the Block Grant. These being:

1. Banjo Paterson Way – Pavement rehabilitation in the “Brookvale” area near Cumnock
2. Cargo Road - pavement rehabilitation from Church Street to Fisher Street
3. Nangar Way, Eugowra – Heavy Patching works

Local Roads

The 2025/26 program of works included: 

1. Spring Hill Road, Cowriga Rd to Boundary
2. This project involved full pavement rehabilitation, replacement of culvert at Cowriga Rd end as well as table drain cleaning and redefining
3. Kurrajong Road - Heavy patching various sections

State Roads

Heavy patching works commenced in January 2026, with works on:

• The Escort Way between Borenore and Cudal
• Peabody Road
• Henry Parkes Way.
• Canowindra Road

Work was also completed on shoulder widening near Traves Lane which was to repair the road shoulder damaged due to some drainage works in that area.

Council’s sealing contractor has completed all the scheduled resealing on numerous segments along the State roads including The Escort Way and Peabody Road, Canowindra Road, Henry Parkes Way and Packham Drive. 

Routine maintenance funding was provided to undertake the daily or as required maintenance along the State roads. This included pothole patching and minor pavement defects. Shoulder maintenance/grading was completed along Escort Way between Cudal and Eugowra. Culvert cleaning was also undertaken on Peabody Road and the Escort Way.

Natural Disaster Funding

At the end of June, all the bitumen shire road repairs had been completed under the initial program.

The four culvert/causeway/bridge repair projects identified are noted below were also completed.

• Pinecliffe Road causeway
• Norah Creek Road culvert. With final pavement patching works completed just recently
• Coates Creek Bridge
• Yullundry Bridge

RTRF Betterment Works

Council was successful in gaining funding under the RTRF Betterment program, which included $3.78M for the replacement of 46 culverts and causeways across the LGA area and a further $3.62M to replace the following bridges:

• Edward Street, Cudal – access to Dean Park
• Baghdad Bridge, Cargo
• Ophir Road – 4^th Crossing
• Manildra footbridge

Tenders went out in mid-June and have now closed and being assessed with a recommendation going to the July council meeting.

A breakdown of the culverts and causeways road locations is below with status updates:

• Baghdad Rd – 2 culverts installed
• Banjo Paterson Way – 2 box culverts
• Barragan Road – 6 pipe culvert locations and one floodway with pipe culverts – Six culverts installed, floodway to follow in 2026
• Battys Lane – 1 floodway
• Bocobra Road – 1 floodway
• Carrolls Road –1 floodway – Project completed
• Davys Plain Road – 1 floodway extension
• Dry Creek Road – 2 box culverts – with consultants for design
• Edinboro Lane – 1 box culvert
• Fish Fossil Drive – 4 floodways
• Kangaroobie Lane – 2 floodways now completed (minor delineation yet to be completed)
• Livermore Lane – 1 box culvert
• Lower Lewis Ponds Road - 1 floodway Completed February 2026
• Mackays Creek Road – 4 pipe culverts installed
• Marsden Street – 1 box culvert
• Nanami Lane – 2 locations – 1 floodway with box culvert and 1 pipe culvert location – two culverts installed
• Offner Road – 1 floodway with box culverts Tender closed. Negotiations with contractors commenced for determine best option
• Pinecliffe Rd – 1 pipe culvert (completed) and 1 box culvert
• Puzzle Flat Lane –1 floodway
• Reedy Creek Road – 1 pipe culvert
• Riddell Street – 1 box culvert with consultants for design

• Rutherfield Lane – 1 pipe culvert Installed
• South Bowan Park Road – culvert completed. 1 floodway yet to be commenced
• Spring Hill Rd – 1 floodway Completed December 2025
• Stagecoach Rd – 1 floodway – Concrete edge beam completed 3rd March
• White Rocks Rd – 1 floodway – Concrete edge beam completed March

• Kent Road – 1 floodway – Works completed

Planning for other projects continues. Consultants are undertaking designs for several culverts.

Disaster Recovery Financial Assistance (DRFA) projects

Council currently has an ongoing program of works to undertake under the DRFA program. This involves mainly pavement repairs which were identified during the application process back in 2024.

The current approved works program includes heavy patching works on numerous roads (and some streets) around the LGA, including Deight, Edward, Hill, Marsden, Belgravia, Yuranigh. Kent, Byng, Dry Creek, Icely, Cargo, Casuarina, Eulimore and Mousehole.

Due to scheduling opportunities over the last few months numerous projects have now been completed which include:

• Marsden St
• Deight St
• Kent Rd
• Belgravia Rd
• Byng Rd
• Icely Rd

Heavy patching works on Cargo Road are also complete.

Level crossing upgrade at The Escort Way, Borenore

UGLRL will commence an upgrade on the level crossing at The Escort Way, Borenore, in August 2026.

The level crossing renewal will improve track stability, reliability and long-term performance to ensure the safety of all rail users.

Works include:

Location: The Escort Way, Borenore

Work dates: 8 August 2026 to 19 August 2026

Working hours:

The level crossing will be closed during the continuous day and night works from 6.00pm Saturday 15 August to 6.00am Monday 17 August, with a detour in place via Molong.

Residents and motorists may notice:

Access for local residents and emergency services will be maintained throughout the closure.

UGLRL has advised it will take all reasonable and necessary steps to minimise community and environmental impacts during the works, including:

From 6.00pm Saturday 15 August until 6.00am Monday 17 August, The Escort Way level crossing at Borenore will be closed.

A detour will be in place for traffic travelling between Cudal, Manildra, Parkes, Forbes and Orange. Vehicles will be directed via Peabody Road and Molong, following the Mitchell Highway to Orange.

The detour is expected to add approximately 20 minutes to normal travel times. Motorists travelling from Orange towards Cudal, Manildra, Parkes and Forbes will be required to follow the same route in reverse.

Traffic control will be in place throughout the closure period, and access for local residents and emergency services will be maintained.

Residents seeking further information or who may be impacted by the works can contact UGLRL and quote asset number LCW20338A.

Project Infoline: 1300 661 390
Email: enquiry@uglregionallinx.com.au
Address: Level 2, 161 Kite Street, Orange NSW 2800
Postal: PO Box 8194, Orange NSW 2800

Ongoing safety work on the Mitchell Highway between Orange and Wellington at Neurea from Monday 1 June

The NSW Government is investing in safety upgrades at Neurea on the Mitchell Highway around 12 kilometres south of Wellington to deliver safer journeys for all road users.

Roadwork at Neurea will recommence from Monday 1 June 2026, following a pause in work as crews were redeployed in response to the closure of the Great Western Highway at Victoria Pass.

The work will include nightwork from Monday 22 June to Wednesday 24 June between 6pm and 6am to install temporary barriers on the Mitchell Highway at the Dripstone Road intersection.

The ongoing work at Neurea will include:

We will be working on the Mitchell Highway at Neurea from around 12 kilometres south of Wellington to around 500 metres south of the Dripstone Road intersection. We have provided a map over the page to show the location of the work.

Work will recommence from Monday 1 June 2026 and is expected to take four months to complete, weather permitting.

Working hours are between 6am and 6pm from Monday to Friday, and if required between 7am and 4pm on Saturday. No work will take place on Sundays or public holidays.

Nightwork will be carried out from Monday 22 June to Wednesday 24 June between 6pm and 6am.

All work activities and dates are subject to weather and site conditions.

There will be temporary traffic changes to ensure a safe work zone, including:

There will be an increased NSW Police presence on site to enforce speed limits.

Please allow up to five minutes of extra travel time during the work and always follow the direction of traffic controllers and signs.

For more information visit
https://www.livetraffic.com/incident-details/261679 or download the Live Traffic NSW app. To receive updates direct to your phone, search for ‘Mitchell Highway – Neurea’ in your Live Traffic app, select the incident and click ‘Follow’.

We aim to manage our work to minimise impacts to the environment and the community. The work will involve the use of machinery which generates some noise. We will make every effort to minimise noise by turning off machinery and vehicles when not in use. We understand that the work will generate some inconvenience, and we thank you for your patience.

The Neurea project is one of six projects between Orange and Wellington being funded through the Towards Zero Safer Roads Program, a road safety infrastructure and speed management treatment program that aims to deliver sustainable and long-term reductions in road trauma through upgrades to the existing road network.

Following the completion of the Neurea project, crews will move on to the project at Neurea South which is now expected to be completed before the end of the year.

Preliminary Works Begin at Angus Bridge to Support Future Upgrades

Transport for NSW will commence preliminary works at Angus Bridge, located at Larras Lee on the Mitchell Highway, approximately 11 kilometres north of Molong, from Monday 25 May 2026.

The works are being carried out to support planned future strengthening of the bridge and to help protect its structural integrity.

The preliminary phase will involve a range of activities within the road corridor, including vegetation clearing, construction of new access tracks on both sides of the highway, replacement of two culverts, and the establishment of a site compound and stockpile area. These upgrades will enable safe access for machinery and personnel during the main construction phase.

Work is expected to take up to three weeks to complete, weather permitting. Crews will be on site between 7am and 6pm, Monday to Friday. No works are scheduled for weekends or public holidays.

Motorists travelling along the Mitchell Highway near Angus Bridge should expect temporary traffic changes during work hours. These will include intermittent single lane closures and a reduced speed limit of 40km/h through the work zone.

Drivers are advised to allow up to five minutes of additional travel time and to follow directions from traffic controllers and signage.

While most activities will take place within the road corridor, residents and road users may notice some increased noise from machinery. Efforts will be made to minimise disruption, including switching off equipment when not in use.

Routine inspections undertaken in 2023 identified erosion and scouring around the bridge’s foundations, affecting existing scour protection at the abutments. Further investigations confirmed that strengthening work is required to maintain the bridge’s safety and longevity.

In response, monitoring equipment, including time-lapse cameras, was installed in 2024 to track any structural movement, while designs for strengthening works were developed.

Tenders for the main strengthening project are expected to open later in 2026, with construction anticipated to begin by mid-2027 following contractor selection. The strengthening works are expected to take approximately six months to complete.

Transport for NSW has engaged Cabonne Council to deliver these preliminary works to help streamline the process ahead of the main construction phase.

For updates, visit the Live Traffic NSW website or download the Live Traffic NSW app and follow “Mitchell Highway, Larras Lee.

UGL Regional Linx - Upgrade Level Crossing, Archer Road, Mullion Creek - 17 April 2026

The community will be notified ahead of any work.

UGL will be carrying out work at Archer Road, Mullion Creek, from 13 April 2026 to 15 May 2026, between 7am and 5pm. This will include some weekend work and one continuous shift from 21-26 April 2026, including ANZAC Day. No work will occur on 27 April, due to the public holiday. 

During the work, residents will notice:

UGLRL says it will take steps to reduce noise and minimise impacts on the community.

NBN Works
Downer, on behalf of nbn, will be undertaking works to facilitate a new subscriber connection at the address below:

Location:
89 Hill Street
Molong NSW 2866

Planned Works Period:
30 June 2026 – 30 September 2026

Scope of Works:
Downer is required to carry out maintenance and installation activities within the road reserve, extending to the customer’s premises. These works may include:

• Cable hauling and jointing through existing and/or new conduits
• Flush/dig-down activities to clear blockages
• Trenching and/or boring to install new premises lead-in conduits within the road reserve
• Concrete breakout and subsequent reinstatement where required