Joint media release with the Hon Jenny Aitchison MP and the Hon Janelle Saffin MP
A major resilience upgrade is underway on Deaves Road at Mandalong, delivering a safer, stronger, more reliable connection for the growing Lake Macquarie region.
Backed by a joint investment from the Minns and Albanese Labor Governments through the Regional Roads and Transport Recovery Package (RRTRP) and Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements, the project will upgrade 2.1 kilometres of road between Crawford and Mandalong Roads.
The upgrade will tackle the flooding and drainage issues that led to repeated closure during severe weather.
The project will reconstruct the road pavement and install upgraded culverts designed to better manage heavy rainfall, strengthening the corridor against future storm events and keeping residents, businesses and emergency services moving.
Located in one of Lake Macquarie's fastest-growing communities, Deaves Road is a vital link between Mandalong, Cooranbong and Morisset, and serves as an important alternative route to the M1 Pacific Motorway.
With traffic increasing and new housing driving strong population growth, this investment will future-proof the corridor for decades to come.
Lake Macquarie City Council will deliver the work which began with site setup in mid-February and is expected to be finished and open to traffic in April 2027, weather permitting.
Quotes attributable to Federal Minister for Emergency Management Kristy McBain
"The Albanese and Minns Governments are working hard to deliver more resilient and safer roads for communities following disaster events.
"Projects like this one mean that when another severe weather event occurs, the impact on the community due to road closures is reduced."
Quotes attributable to Member for Hunter Dan Repacholi
"Deaves Road is a critical link for families, tradies and businesses across Mandalong, Cooranbong and Morisset, and when it goes under, the whole community feels it.
"This upgrade is about getting ahead of the problem. By strengthening the pavement and improving drainage, we're making sure this road can better handle heavy rain and keep people moving when it matters most."
Quotes attributable to NSW Minister for Roads Jenny Aitchison
"The Minns and Albanese Labor Governments are investing in stronger, more resilient roads so communities like Mandalong can stay connected when severe weather hits.
"Deaves Road has been impacted time and again by heavy rainfall and flooding, causing disruption for local families, businesses and emergency services. This upgrade tackles those issues head on, with improved drainage, upgraded culverts and a rebuilt pavement designed to better withstand extreme weather.
"This investment will help ensure Deaves Road can support the region's growing population and increasing traffic, while standing up to the extreme weather events we know are becoming more frequent."
Quotes attributable to NSW Minister for Recovery Janelle Saffin
"We know how disruptive repeated road closures are for the Mandalong and Cooranbong communities. That's why we are building back better to ensure Deaves Road is safer, stronger, and truly storm-ready.
"This isn't just a construction project; it's a commitment to a more resilient future where our local roads can withstand the test of time and weather."
Quotes attributable to Member for Lake Macquarie Greg Piper
"Deaves Road is a crucial local link in the fast-growing Lake Macquarie region and traffic on the road has been growing steadily in recent years.
"Demand is only going to increase as the population in the south-western Lake Macquarie area continues to rise, so this is an important project to help keep the region moving."
Quotes attributable to Lake Macquarie Mayor Adam Shultz
"The project will deliver a safer, stronger Deaves Road that the community can rely on - through the next storm and the next decade.
"By future proofing this critical link, we are strengthening a key transport route and ensuring emergency services, locals and visitors alike can travel with confidence in all conditions.
"We value the support from our State and Federal partners. This level of collaboration allows us to deliver resilient infrastructure and long-term benefits for the community."
