Council officially opens new tourism and transport initiatives

Published on 27 November 2023

On Saturday 25 November 2023, Lachlan Shire Council officially opened the Condobolin Improved Freight Logistics project and new cutting-edge visitor information centre at the award-winning “Utes in the Paddock” precinct.

Lachlan Shire Mayor, Councillor Paul Phillips said “the opening is a tremendous milestone for our Shire and something we should all be extremely proud of.

The overall project involved the reconstruction and betterment of 9km of road, including augmentation of the Lachlan Valley Way from Willow Bend Road to Murie Creek to improve flood immunity and provide a transport route for heavy vehicles when the Newell Highway is closed due to flooding or incidents. Cost $8.5 million.

The project also included the development of the Utes in the Paddock Tourism Precinct, which is now home to a new visitor information centre, Jockey’s Memorial Garden, a heavy vehicle rest area and new traveller rest facilities.

The Condobolin Improved Freight Logistics and Visitor Information Centre Project was made possible through grant funding of approximately $15.5 million to bolster tourism and transport in the Shire.

This included NSW Government funding of $11,152,660 million from the Infrastructure and Job Acceleration Fund, $1 million from the Regional Growth Fund, $586,876 from the Stronger Country Communities Fund and a contribution from Lachlan Shire Council.

Federal assistance came from Building Better Regions, Drought Communities and Renewable Energy Grants.

“There have been many components to this project, and Lachlan Shire Council is extremely appreciative of the support it has attracted,” added Mayor Phillips.

The new tourism precinct will become a focal point within the Shire and will be instrumental in improving the overall visitor experience. The centre will drive visitation to our towns and villages, and the broader region and build on Lachlan’s strengths, which include our reputation as a destination for an authentic bush experience in the heart of NSW.