A major regional transport forum will return to Orange in November, with Orange and Cabonne councils announcing plans for the 2026 Orange and Cabonne Heavy Vehicle Truck Forum.

Orange City Council published the announcement on 23 September 2026, confirming that the one-day forum will be held on Wednesday, 18 November 2026, at the Orange Civic Centre. The event will begin at 9am and will be available both in person and through videolink.

The forum is designed to bring together people working across the heavy-vehicle and freight transport sector, including industry leaders, safety specialists, regulators and other representatives. Organisers say the event will focus on challenges affecting heavy-vehicle operations in regional New South Wales.

Key discussion areas are expected to include road safety, infrastructure, workforce challenges, productivity and innovation. The council said the forum provides an opportunity for transport operators and other stakeholders to exchange information and discuss issues affecting the future of regional freight.

Orange Mayor Tony Mileto said safety would remain a central focus of the event. Council described collaboration between industry, regulators and transport operators as an important part of improving safety and productivity in the heavy-vehicle sector.

The 2026 forum follows the previous year's event. Orange City Council said the 2025 forum received strong interest, with participants highlighting the value of being able to hear directly from industry experts, regulators and transport leaders.

The return of the forum comes as regional communities continue to rely heavily on road freight to move goods between agricultural areas, regional centres and larger markets. Heavy vehicles are an important part of the Central West economy, making issues such as road conditions, driver safety, freight efficiency and infrastructure planning particularly relevant to the region.

The event will also provide an opportunity for participants to discuss emerging developments in the transport industry and consider how regional operators can respond to changing requirements.

People interested in attending can register their interest through Orange City Council. The council has confirmed that participation will be possible either at the Orange Civic Centre or remotely through videolink, allowing people outside Orange to take part.

This is a local Orange community and transport-sector announcement, rather than a breaking emergency or crime incident. The council's announcement was published on 23 September 2026, making it a verified same-day Orange news development.