Councillors resolved at the February meeting that “$18,600 for the installation of wet weather road closed signs is included in the 2017/18 budget for council’s consideration.” Councillors Graham Jackson and Jodi Douglas moved the recommendation. 

In his report to council, engineer Graeme Bourke said motorists are continuing to use the wet roads signs. 

“Council currently advises road closure information on local radio by emailing and faxing affected organisations. We also have drop down permanent signs on various unsealed roads through roads to advise of closures during wet weather,” he said. 

“Erecting ‘Road Closed’ signs on unsealed roads and accessing drop down signs is not economical and is impractical in the wet. Motorists constantly use our unsealed roads in the wet, causing pavement damage, but are currently able to say they didn’t know the road was closed if they didn’t hear the information on the radio.” 

The signs will read: “Road Closure Information / Roads may be closed during and after wet weather” followed by the council contact information. 

It will be placed in 16 different places around the shire, including the Coolabah, Hermidale, Girilambone and Nyngan entrances and exits. 

The estimated cost of installed sign is $600 per sign, costing $9,600 in total.

Council also approved 10 drop down signs around the shire costing $900 per sign, $9,000 in total.

This sign reads: “Unsealed Roads Closed / Within Bogan Shire / Due to wet weather” followed by council contact information.