Council Projects

Cabonne Council is currently delivering a range of exciting infrastructure and community projects across the region. These initiatives aim to enhance local facilities, support economic development, and improve the quality of life for residents and visitors alike. Below is an overview of the key projects underway.

To provide comments or feedback around council projects, you can visit the Have Your Say Cabonne page. 

Major Projects

Peak Hill Rd Upgrade (ROSI)
Cabonne Council is undertaking an upgrade of Peak Hill Road, a project funded under the Roads of Strategic Importance (ROSI) initiative. The upgrade will cover the full 16 kilometers of Peak Hill Road within the Cabonne Council area. The project is part of the council's ongoing recovery efforts after floods, with the aim of improving infrastructure and enhancing safety.

February 2026 Update -  Topsoil stripping has now been completed on the first stage of works, covering the final 3 kilometres of the project to the Parkes Shire boundary. Initial subgrade and base preparation is underway. The first base slab for the new culverts on the realignment section has been poured, and formwork for the second culvert is currently in progress.

 

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

The fluoridation application has been submitted to NSW Health and is currently being reviewed by NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) and Council is currently awaiting approval. Subject to approvals being finalised, Council is aiming to have fluoridation operational by Wednesday, 29 July 2026. 

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

Council’s 2.14MW solar plant with 5.5MWh battery storage at the Eugowra Sewerage Treatment Plant is close to completion, with construction finishing in early April. Covering around 1.5 hectares, the system will export electricity to the grid, helping offset Council’s overall power use and emissions. Essential Energy network upgrades will begin soon, with energisation scheduled for 1 July 2026. After connection, the plant will undergo six weeks of testing before operating at full capacity.

 

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

 

 

Community Projects

EUGOWRA 

Eugowra Sportsground Lighting

The Restoration of Eugowra Sportsground Lighting project was successfully completed in April 2026, with all planned works finalised. The project has now moved into its finalisation phase, with the next step being the submission of final claims to the funding body.

 

Refurbishment of Former Eugowra Pre-School Site 

The Refurbishment of the Old Eugowra Pre-School Site, scheduled for completion in April 2026, has successfully delivered its original scope of works. The project is now in its final stages, with remaining works to include landscaping and upgrades to the playground.

 

Restoration of Memorial Park, Eugowra

The Restoration of Memorial Park Eugowra project, scheduled for completion in December 2026, is progressing following the close of the tender process, with outcomes reported to the May Council meeting. The project will now move into the delivery phase, beginning with landscaping works, followed by the construction of new amenities and the installation of play equipment.

 

Restoration of Eugowra Historical Museum & Bushranger Centre 

The Eugowra Historical Museum and Bushranger Centre project was completed in December 2025, with all works in the original scope finalised. A variation has since been submitted to construct a storage shed at the rear of the museum, and a development application has been lodged. Construction of the shed will proceed once approval for the variation is received.

 

Activation of Eugowra CBD

The Activation of Eugowra CBD project, scheduled for completion in May 2027, is currently in the planning phase. A civil design has been finalised and shared with the community, with further planning work underway. Upcoming steps include releasing a tender for the civil works, developing a traffic management plan to accommodate agricultural machinery and the existing bus stop during construction, and continuing consultation with local business owners.

 

Eugowra Showground Power Activation

Activation of the Eugowra Showground is nearing completion, with power expected to be connected in early June. The project is on track for full completion by mid-June, with final claims to be submitted shortly thereafter.

 

MOLONG

Molong Hockey Field Relocation

The Relocation of the Molong Hockey Field project is progressing across two stages, with Stage 1 completed in April 2026, including the new pitch, car park, and lighting and power upgrades. Stage 2, which includes dugouts, a kiosk and amenities, is scheduled for completion in December 2026, with these facilities to be available for use by all stakeholders. A tender for this stage opened on 27 May, with results to be reported to the July Council meeting. Construction is expected to commence in September following the Molong Show, with completion anticipated by the end of the year.

 

Activation of Hunter Caldwell Sports Precinct

The Activation of the Hunter Caldwell Sports Precinct project was completed in April 2026, with all elements of the original scope delivered. Key works included turf installation, fencing, reinstatement of sports lighting, and the installation of a power bollard near the canteen. The new grass field is already in use by local soccer and football teams for training. The project will now focus on working with the Molong Soccer Club to allocate remaining funds toward upgrades to the kiosk and amenities area.

 

Molong Showground Upgrade

This progress is on hold until the wastewater load from the existing and planned new amenities is confirmed.  

 

MANILDRA

Manildra Multipurpose Courts Relocation

The Relocation of the Manildra Multi-Purpose Courts project is progressing in two stages, with Stage 1 completed in April 2026 and the courts already in use by the community. Stage 2, which includes the installation of lighting and completion of landscaping, is scheduled for completion in October 2026. A contractor has been engaged for the lighting works, with the next steps focused on installing the sports lighting and finalising landscaping.

 

CANOWINDRA

Construction of a cabin at the Canowindra Caravan Park

The construction of a cabin at the Canowindra Caravan Park is scheduled for completion in July 2026 and is progressing through the approvals phase. The required Rural Fire Service Special Purpose Development assessment has been received to support the development application, and Central Tablelands Water has been engaged to install a fire hydrant. Next steps include completing the hydrant installation, placing the cabin onsite, undertaking fit-out and furnishing, and adding the cabin to the booking system.

 

 

Roads/Transport

Yellowbox Road Culvert Extension and Road Improvement - Tuesday, 23 June 2026

As part of the upgrading works on Yellowbox Road, Council will be commencing work to upgrade the culvert just past Carlisle Street, Manildra. This will start on Tuesday 23 June 2026, and is expected to take 3 weeks, subject to weather conditions.

Work will be undertaken between the hours of 7am and 5pm on weekdays. Traffic will be reduced to one lane under traffic control and reopened to all lanes at the end of each day. Some delays should be expected.

Once culvert works are completed, the next stage will involve pavement rehabilitation between the railway crossing and the 50km/h signs south of Carlisle Street. This stage of works is expected to be completed by September, subject to weather.

 

Culvert Works Barton Creek on The Escort Way - Monday, 25 May 2026 

Culvert works on Barton Creek at Escort Way are currently underway and expected to take approximately two weeks, weather permitting.

Works are being carried out beside the road, so traffic disruptions are expected to be minimal. Both lanes will remain open, with a reduced speed limit of 80km/h in place through the work zone between 7am and 4pm on weekdays.

There may be brief closures to allow for the movement of machinery, however delays should be minimal.

 

Kangaroobie Rd Culvert/Causeway Upgrade - Monday, 25 May 2026

Cabonne Council will be commencing work on Kangaroobie Rd to upgrade the culvert/causeway on Sugarloaf Creek on the 25 May 2026, subject to weather conditions.  

This work will run at the same time as the culvert-causeway upgrades on Kangaroobie Rd Mulyan Creek crossing. 

Work will be undertaken between the hours of 7am and 5pm during the week. A sidetrack will be in place for traffic to drive around the site while works are underway. Once work is completed the sidetrack will be pulled out and the site will be rehabilitated. 

The work is expected to take approximately five weeks to complete given favourable weather conditions. 

 

Kangaroobie Rd Culvert/Causeway Upgrade - Monday, 18 May 2026

Cabonne Council will be commencing work on Kangaroobie Rd to upgrade the culvert/causeway on Mulyan Creek on the 18 May 2026, subject to weather conditions.  

Work will be undertaken between the hours of 7am and 5pm during the week and traffic will be limited to one lane traffic under traffic control. Some delays should be expected. 

The work is expected to take approximately three weeks to complete given favourable weather conditions. 

 

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

UGL Regional Linx will carry out scheduled maintenance on the Archer Road level crossing at Mullion Creek, upgrading it from a passive crossing to an active one with boom gates and flashing lights to improve safety. 

The work is being funded through the Australian's Government's Regional Level Crossing Upgrade Fund (RLCUF) and the NSW Level Crossing Improvement Program (LCIP). Together, these projects will upgrade twenty-three high-priority level crossings in regional areas with high-intensity LED lights, bells, and retro-reflective boom gates to improve safety and reduce the risk of collisions and near hits. 
 
The work will be completed in three stages:
  • Stage 1 will involve resurfacing the level crossing and road approaches, and construction of a temporary level crossing, between 13 April and 15 May 2026. 
  • Stage 2 will involve installing new cable routes for signalling, boom gate foundations, and alight masts, between June and September 2026. 
  • Stage 3 will commission and activate the new lights and boom gates between September and October 2026. 

The community will be notified ahead of any work.

When and where will UGL be working?

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:

  • a diversion off Archer Road across a temporary level crossing
  • speed limits of 40km/h across the temporary level crossing
  • digital signage on Archer Road
  • additional vehicle movements in the area
  • some noise from machinery
  • lighting during night work
  • continuous 24-hour work from 10pm on 21 April to 10pm on 26 April.

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

For more information, contact the UGL Regional Linx Communications Team on 1300 661 390 or email enquiry@uglregionallinx.com.au.
To keep updated visit Live Traffic NSW.
  
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Transport for NSW Updates

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.

What work are we doing?

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:

  • upgrading drainage by extending existing culverts
  • upgrading the Dripstone Road intersection with the Mitchell Highway
  • widening the road shoulder
  • reinstating audio tactile line marking (rumble-strips) following pavement resurfacing
  • installing roadside safety barriers
  • installing signage.

When and where we’ll be working

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.

What will this mean for you?

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

  • temporary barriers and single lane closures
  • intermittent stopping
  • a reduced speed limit of 40km/h during work hours
  • a reduced speed limit of 60km/h outside of work hours.

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’.

Managing our impacts

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.

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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.

Scope of works

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 schedule

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.

Traffic changes

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.

Community impacts

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.

Background

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.

What’s next

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.

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