Construction is set to begin on disaster recovery works to Wombeyan Caves Road and Meryla Road, delivering repairs to two critical transport links in the Southern Highlands.
The $6.1 million project follows repeated flood and storm damage across the region.
It is jointly funded by the Australian and NSW governments through the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements and will be carried out by Wingecarribee Shire Council.
The works will include slope stabilisation, drainage improvements and pavement reconstruction to restore safety, resilience and long-term performance across both roads.
Works on Wombeyan Caves Roadwill include reconstruction at seven separate locations, after the road was heavily damaged by floods. Construction is scheduled to start in February 2026 and finish by September 2026.
The Meryla Road repairs will take place at three separate sites. Construction is scheduled to start in February 2026 and finish by July 2026.
Works on both roads will be staged to minimise disruption, with traffic only affected in active work zones.
Quotes attributable to Federal Minister for Emergency Management, Kristy McBain:
"These repairs to Wombeyan Caves Road and Meryla Road will deliver safer and stronger transport links for Southern Highlands communities, ensuring locals, visitors and emergency services can travel with confidence.
"After successive floods and storms have repeatedly damaged these key routes, we are delivering a coordinated recovery effort that will rebuild these crucial roads for the communities that depend on them."
Quotes attributable to NSW Minister for Roads and Minister for Regional Transport, Jenny Aitchison:
"From heavy rain to flooding, extreme weather has undoubtedly taken a toll on our roads, and we're focused on getting them back to a safe and reliable standard. Good roads keep communities connected, so families, workers, truckies and local businesses can keep moving - no matter the weather.
"These disaster recovery works on Wombeyan Caves Road and Meryla Road will restore vital transport links and ensure they are more resilient to future weather events."
Quotes attributable to NSW Minister for Recovery, Janelle Saffin:
"These road repairs are about turning plans into recovery action on the ground for communities in the Southern Highlands who have been dealing with the impacts of repeated disasters for years.
"Wombeyan Caves Road and Meryla Road are critical local connections, and this investment will restore access, improve safety and strengthen community resilience ahead of future floods, storms or fires.
"Getting this project to construction has needed complex planning by Wingecarribee Shire Council and a partnership with the Albanese Government which continues to support recovery in the Highlands region.
Quotes attributable to Federal Member for Whitlam, Carol Berry MP:
"Southern Highlands' residents contact me regularly about the state of the local roads, many of which have been damaged by natural disasters resulting in safety hazards.
"I am really pleased that Labor Federal and State Governments are collaborating to contribute $6.1 million to fix Wombeyan Caves Road and Meryla Road and that we are working with Wingecarribee Council to deliver these improvements.
"Works on Wombeyan Caves Road and Meryla Road are sorely needed after these roads were heavily damaged by floods.
"I know that local residents will be grateful for these improvements. We will be working hard to minimise disruption while these works are carried out."
Quotes attributable to Wingecarribee Shire Council Mayor, Jesse Fitzpatrick:
"Maintaining and upgrading roads is a key focus of Council's 2025-2029 term. This funding marks a long-awaited milestone, enabling Council to deliver essential disaster repairs."
"Wombeyan Caves Road and Meryla Road are key local connections, and the commencement of these works is a long-awaited milestone.
"These works are the result of a complex process involving detailed planning, design, and disaster funding approvals, which all take time before construction can begin.
"The works will restore damaged infrastructure and help maintain safe and reliable access for residents, emergency services, businesses, and visitors."
