One hundred days after the closure of the Great Western Highway at Victoria Pass, community and business leaders from across the Central West have united in a renewed call for greater communication, support and certainty regarding one of the region’s most significant transport disruptions in recent years.
The closure has had far-reaching impacts on residents, businesses, freight operators, tourism providers and travellers throughout the region, with concerns continuing to grow as communities await clearer information about the future of this critical transport corridor.
Gathering to discuss the ongoing challenges were Member for Bathurst, Hon. Paul Toole MP, Bathurst Regional Council Mayor Robert Taylor, Blayney Shire Mayor Bruce Reynolds, Oberon Council Mayor Andrew McKibbin, Bathurst Business Chamber representative Kellie Evans, Blayney Chamber representative Sarah Hunter and Oberon Business & Tourism Association President Tatiana Coulter.
A key concern raised during discussions was the lack of clear communication surrounding future plans for the highway and what affected communities can expect in the months ahead.
Mr Toole said many people remained frustrated by the limited information being provided.
“There is a lack of communication coming out of the Minister for Roads, and there is a lack of communication coming out of Transport for NSW,” he said. “They pat themselves on the back for putting out something each week, but that has no new information. It’s simply a cut and paste.”
The group also highlighted concerns about the level of business assistance currently available to those impacted by the closure. While some businesses in the Hartley and Mount Victoria areas have been eligible for limited support, leaders argued that the effects of the closure extend far beyond those communities.
Mr Toole described the current assistance measures as inadequate for the scale of the challenge facing businesses, particularly those involved in freight, tourism and associated industries.
“What we need to see is the Prime Minister and Premier out of their ivory towers and start talking to people impacted themselves,” he said. “I’ve invited them. They need to come out and talk to the Business Chambers, talk to businesses and spend time with freight operators to understand first-hand the impact the closure of this national highway is causing.”
Adding further complexity to the situation is the historical significance of the Mitchell’s Pass Convict Bridge section of the highway, which was formally recognised as a heritage site in 2024.
Leaders agreed that the closure is affecting not only communities in Mount Victoria, Lithgow, Oberon, Blayney, and Bathurst but also the broader Central West, including Orange and surrounding districts, reinforcing the vital role of reliable transport links in supporting regional economies, employment opportunities, tourism, and community connectivity.
