MidCoast Council is continuing work on one of the largest flood recovery programs in the region's history, following the May 2025 flood event.
The recovery program includes repairs to roads, bridges, drainage, and landslips across the MidCoast area. Work is already underway, with a strong focus on safety and working closely with the NSW Reconstruction Authority.
Mayor Claire Pontin said the scale of the recovery means the work will take time.
"This is a very large and complex program. We know the community wants fast results, especially when it comes to roads and bridges, and we are working hard to deliver that," Mayor Claire Pontin said.
Council has already:
- Assessed the majority of sealed roads for flood damage
- Completed major submissions for key routes like The Bucketts Way and Thunderbolts Way
- Captured damage data across the entire unsealed road network
- Submitted repair packages for more than 50 bridges
- Progressed major bridge projects, including The Bight Bridge and Tiri Bridge, including a temporary access bridge at Tiri.
The total cost of the flood recovery program is currently estimated at around $281 million. This includes:
- $32.5 million for emergency works
- $14.8 million for immediate repairs
- $233.7 million for major reconstruction projects
So far, Council has spent more than $49 million on recovery works and received about $12 million in funding. This figure is continually changing.
More than $70 million in funding claims has been submitted, with additional claims being prepared. Many of these are still being assessed under Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements, which affects how quickly funds are received.
Council is carefully managing cashflow while waiting for funding approvals and advance payments.
Major reconstruction work will begin as funding is approved. Some complex sites, including landslips and major road damage, are still being assessed and designed.
Due to the size of the program, full recovery is expected to take several years, with completion likely by 2029.
"We appreciate the community's patience as we rebuild," Mayor Claire Pontin said.
"Our focus is on delivering safe, long-term solutions that restore our region's essential infrastructure."
All works are being delivered in line with Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements and strict safety, environmental, and legal requirements. This ensures funding can be secured and projects meet the required standards.
Council will continue to provide updates as more funding is approved and additional works begin.
For updates on roadwork throughout the MidCoast, please visit https://haveyoursay.midcoast.nsw.gov.au/midcoast-roads-hub
