BUILDING BETTER STREETS FOR OUR COMMUNITY

Published on 02 April 2026

Glen Innes Severn Council is upgrading Bourke Street and Railway Street not just to fix roads, but to improve how people experience their town every day.

These works respond to what the community consistently tells us matters: safer streets, reliable services, reduced disruption, and a town centre that people feel proud to spend time in.

For residents and businesses along Railway Street, recent years have been challenging. Severe weather in 2022 accelerated road damage, impacting access, safety and day‑to‑day use. This upgrade is about restoring confidence in the street by delivering a stronger, more durable road surface, improved drainage, and a layout that better handles future conditions.

Importantly, this work is funded through disaster recovery, meaning Council has been able to address a known issue without adding pressure to ratepayers. By carefully managing previous projects, Council also redirected savings to ensure Railway Street could be completed to a higher standard.

In Bourke Street, the focus is on the bigger picture, how the street functions, feels and supports everyday life. This is about more than roadworks. It is about creating a visually appealing public space that is easier to navigate, more accessible, and reflective of the pride people have in Glen Innes.

Community feedback consistently highlights frustration with repeated roadworks and unexpected service interruptions. In response, Council is replacing ageing water mains at the same time as the street upgrade. This coordinated approach reduces the likelihood of future digging, minimises long‑term disruption, and delivers more reliable water services to surrounding homes and businesses.

These projects are part of a broader shift in how Council delivers infrastructure by planning ahead, coordinating works, and focusing on well‑designed outcomes that matter to the community. This approach builds community pride and ensures infrastructure is valued as more than just an asset.

Mayor Margot Davis said the upgrades are about delivering practical improvements that people will notice in their everyday lives.

“We know our community wants streets that are safe, reliable and reflect the pride we have in where we live. These projects are about getting the basics right, better roads, fewer disruptions, and services people can depend on, while also improving how our town centre looks and feels,” Cr Davis said.

Council understands that construction can be inconvenient and thanks residents and businesses for their patience. Every effort is being made to minimise disruption and keep the community informed as works progress.

To stay up to date with current and upcoming works, visit Council’s fortnightly Works Program here. 

Media Enquiries: (02) 6730 2314 | media@gisc.nsw.gov.au