Pooncarie Road

Central Darling Shire Council have transformed nine kilometres of remote Pooncarie Road from dirt to bitumen seal in the first milestone for the jointly funded infrastructure upgrade project. This first milestone in the project to seal 61-kilometres of road was reached after work started in January this year.

Early next year, Wentworth Shire Council will start work on the southern end of the project length.

The Australian and NSW Governments have provided $48.8 million to jointly fund the sealing of Pooncarie Road from dirt to bitumen.

Pooncarie Road connects people in the Menindee Lakes area with emergency and health services, schools and suppliers - and the freight operators who bring these supplies - such as groceries.

About 75 people will be employed during the project which will boost local employment and unlock opportunities for primary producers and tourism operators.

The 87.5 kilometres of bitumen sealing to be carried out over the next three years will ensure motorists enjoy safer, faster and more reliable journeys with 61 kilometres to be sealed through the Central Darling Shire and 26.5 kilometres through Wentworth Shire.

A fully sealed road will reduce travel times by about 90 minutes between Menindee and Wentworth when completed.

• 21 January 2021
  Entire length of Pooncarie Road to be sealed opening accesss to Menindee Lakes.