No more precarious and lengthy travel for residents and travellers on Pooncarie Road.

The historic $48.8 million Australian and NSW Government-funded sealing projects have been completed.

“Central Darling Shire Council appreciates the funding support from the Australian and NSW governments because the road desperately needed to be sealed for road safety reasons,” said Central Darling Shire General Manager Greg Hill.

“Now we can keep the road open during wet conditions, benefiting both residents and tourists.

“This is a significant achievement.

“I would like to congratulate everyone involved in these projects over the last three years including our Shire Services Director, and the project manager for council, Reece Wilson, and his team.

“These are major projects for not only our shire but also the far west region.

"The benefits will be long lasting. We also expect to see more tourists visiting the area now that the road is sealed.”

Federal Government financed $31.7 million and the NSW Government contributed $17.1 million to the projects.

The ventures were delivered by Wentworth Shire Council and Central Darling Shire Council between 2021 and 2024.

Prior to this, 87.5 kilometres of Pooncarie Road between Menindee and Pooncarie had a dirt surface.

Motorists had to live with less than safe conditions, longer travel times and regular road closures after heavy rainfall would some communities stranded for extended periods.

“This project has been a real game changer for local communities with motorists now able to travel on a reliable road surface that’s much safer and resilient to wet weather.

“Improved access for tourists, locals and freight services will benefit these far west communities including the western pastoralists who are operating sheep, goat and cattle industries in the area,” said State Member for Barwon Roy Butler.

The sealing projects have led to easier access to essential services, while also boosting freight efficiency.

Improved access also means increased tourism opportunities, including for visitors to the popular Menindee Lakes.

More than 75 people worked on the sealing projects which also provided a boost to local employment.

“These projects are a good example of all three levels of government working together to make this long overdue sealing a reality.

“I’m happy more of our communities are benefiting from better roads,” said State Member for Murray Helen Dalton.

“Our investments in a better Pooncarie Road will benefit current and future generations for many years to come.

“Rural and regional communities rely on roads for so much of their well-being and I am pleased to see these improvements to far west roads being delivered,” said Labor spokesperson for the state seats of Barwon and Murray, Stephen Lawrence.

Federal Member for Parkes Mark Coulton said it's an exciting milestone for the Menindee community after working with them to secure the initial funding for this project back in 2019.

"I'm thrilled that this project has now been completed," Mr Coulton said.

"I've been involved in this project from the very start. I still remember the initial conversations with the Menindee community when they told me that the best way to support their future prosperity would be to seal the Pooncarie Road, enabling tourists and locals easier access to the beautiful Menindee Lakes.

"The upgrade of Pooncarie Road between Menindee and Pooncarie has involved sealing 87.5 kilometres of road from dirt to bitumen, significantly reducing travel times and ensuring the local community have regular access to essential services regardless of weather.

"Previously, the dirt road would be impassable following heavy rainfall, isolating the community for weeks at a time.

"Now, not only do locals and freight operators have more reliable access along this stretch of road but more tourists are able to visit the area year-round.

"The former Coalition Government recognised the benefits of this project and now the Menindee community is reaping the rewards.

"Congratulations to Central Darling Shire Council on the great job completing this project."