Brewarrina Shire Council is celebrating a major milestone after the final features of Weilmoringle’s first-ever shared path were recently completed. Proudly funded by Transport for NSW and their Get Kids Active program, the brand-new almost two-kilometre shared path has significantly improved safety, accessibility and linked key locations in the village.

Construction of the two-metre-wide pathway from Wytalibah Aboriginal Reserve to Weilmoringle Post Office and Weilmoringle Public School was completed earlier this year, with the final touches, including solar lighting and shaded seating recently added to finalise the essential project.

General Manager for Brewarrina Shire Council David Kirby said the importance of key critical infrastructure such as shared paths and footpaths is an understated achievement and one he is particularly proud of.

“This is the first ever formalised shared path (or footpath) for Weilmoringle. Not only bringing connectivity and improving safety, but also promoting health and wellbeing, particularly for children and elderly residents,” said Mr Kirby.

“It’s a significant achievement and one in which I believe is understated. One of the things we take for granted is being able to walk or ride to the shops or to an appointment in the town centre on shared paths that can cater for all. I am incredibly proud of projects like this and the real impact and improvements to the quality of everyday life they have for the community.”

Minister for Roads and Regional Transport Jenny Aitchison echoed the sentiment of how important this project is for the local community in improving safety and accessibility.

 “The Minns Labor Government is proud to have provided funding for this important milestone for Weilmoringle, making it easier for school kids and the broader community to get from Wytalibah Aboriginal Reserve to Weilmoringle’s post office and the local school,” Ms Aitchison said.

“Brewarrina is one of 24 councils that received funding through the FY24/25 Get Kids Active Program, which is part of the Minns Labor Government’s work to make it safer and easier for kids and their parents to walk to school by delivering new and improved infrastructure outside schools.”

The Weilmoringle community has already begun to embrace the new pathway, with families, schoolchildren, and elders regularly making use of the safer, more accessible route. The installation of solar lighting has not only extended the hours in which residents can travel safely but also supports Council’s commitment to sustainable initiatives. Shaded seating areas provide welcoming spaces for rest, reflection, and social connection throughout the day.

Local feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, with residents noting a fresh sense of pride in their village. The footpath now serves as a vital artery, connecting neighbours and empowering all age groups to move freely and confidently between key destinations.

Similar projects in Goodooga and Brewarrina township are also underway, funded by the Federal Government’s Active Transport Fund.

In Goodooga construction is progressing on the new pathway connecting the popular Great Artesian Baths with the town centre and new Splash Park.

While in Brewarrina four new pedestrian and cycle paths are set to be constructed that will connect the Brewarrina town centre with the iconic Barwon River, and Barwon 4 Aboriginal Reserve – providing a vital connection to the town centre for the very first time.