As of August 2025 the speed limit changed to 80 km/h on Rugby and Narrawa roads for 43 kilometres from Boorowa to about 100 metres east of the Lachlan River Bridge. Image: Transport for NSW.
There’s not-so-great new year news for Rugby Road residents.
The NSW Government has confirmed it will not reverse the 80 km/h speed limit along the vital 43 kilometre route between Boorowa and Narrawa, despite a petition backed by more than 1000 locals calling for the previous 100 km/h limit to be reinstated.
The petition, tabled in parliament on 28 November by Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke, argued that reduced speed limits should never replace proper maintenance and investment in regional roads.
But on Christmas Eve, NSW Roads Minister Jenny Aitchison clarified that Rugby and Narrawa roads are regional roads managed by Hilltops and Upper Lachlan shire councils, meaning any changes to speed limits would need to be initiated by the councils.
Despite this, she said, for safety reasons Transport for NSW did not intend to reverse the existing 80 km/h speed limit.
“The speed limit of 80 km/h for Rugby and Narrawa roads is considered to be appropriate for the current road conditions and is consistent with the speed zoning standard,” Ms Aitchison said.
Stretching east from Boorowa to Narrawa, Rugby Road acts as a lifeline for those residents living in and around small, isolated communities such as Frogmore, Taylors Flat and Rye Park.
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Not only does it link families to schools, patients to medical care and farmers to local markets, it also provides access to Crookwell and the Hume Highway.
The 80 km/h limit came into effect on 25 August 2025, following a Transport for NSW review prompted by safety concerns from NSW Police and Hilltops Council.
Crash analysis showed the route had a higher-than-expected incident rate for a rural road, particularly along the 21 kilometre stretch between Boorowa and Little Plains Road.
The review considered road conditions, traffic volumes and crash history under the nationally adopted Safe System approach, designed to reduce the severity and likelihood of accidents.
The decision did more than inconvenience locals – it blindsided many whose first knowledge of the speed zone change was electronic message signs installed along the bitumen-paved route.
Hilltops councillors also raised questions about the review process, pointing to inconsistent consultation and decision-making, particularly where nearby unsealed roads still retain higher speed limits.
Hilltops Mayor Brian Ingram said what began as a proposal to review a section of road under the council’s traffic committee was effectively taken over by Transport for NSW, which then extended the review and imposed a new speed limit along the entire route – without formally consulting council or the community.
“Transport for NSW took over; Transport for NSW told no one,” he said.
Residents and the Boorowa Business Chamber also expressed frustration, warning that slower travel times could discourage passing trade and further strain the small local economy.
While the reduction was introduced with safety in mind, it sparked wider concerns about how regional roads are funded and prioritised.
Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke said it highlighted a longstanding issue for rural communities.
“The conversation isn’t just about speed limits,” she said, “it’s about fairness, investment, and ensuring regional roads – and the people who rely on them – get the support they need.”
The timing has been particularly difficult for a district reliant on agriculture.
Ms Cooke pointed to Bureau of Meteorology data showing NSW experienced its driest October since 2019, intensifying drought conditions.
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She said producers were already absorbing rising transport costs for water, fodder, and livestock, and longer trips added both expense and stress, with livestock spending more time on trucks in the heat.
When the community e-petition closed on 25 November, one Boorowa resident summed up the petition’s message: “Out here we don’t ask for much from our local and state governments except good roads for the rates and taxes we pay. We’re just sick of regional Australians being sidelined”.
For now, the 80 km/h limit remains in place.
Ms Cooke said she would continue pushing for investment to bring Rugby Road up to a standard where higher speed limits were safe.
“Speed reductions cannot be a substitute for proper road maintenance, especially in an area where families must travel to access basic essentials,” she said.
“Now that we know the government has no intention to return the speed limit to 100 km/h in its current state, I will be seeking a funding guarantee that Rugby Road will be prioritised for an upgrade.
“It is disappointing that, despite the government’s safety concerns for Rugby Road, they have made no mention of investing in the infrastructure this community expects and deserves,” Ms Cooke said.
