Port Macquarie Hastings Council (PMHC) and Kempsey Shire Council (KSC) have reached a significant milestone in the long-awaited upgrade of Maria River Road, with the appointment of a construction contractor following PMHC's Ordinary Council Meeting on 20 November 2025.
The appointment of Eire Construction marks the transition from planning into the delivery phase, with construction scheduled to commence in early 2026.
The upgrade will see 20.2km of road constructed and sealed to improve safety, reliability and connectivity for residents, businesses, and communities across both local government areas. Two work crews will operate in tandem to accelerate progress while maintaining safe access for road users throughout the construction period.
The project is being delivered with $7.346 million from the Regional Roads and Transport Recovery Package under the jointly funded Australian and NSW Governments Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements, and $17 million under the NSW Government's Fixing Local Roads program.
While most of the remaining unsealed sections will be sealed under this contract, a 4.1km stretch located within a high-koala-activity zone will remain unsealed as a result of recommendations received through the environmental approvals phase to manage vehicle speed within this length.
This approach avoids delaying the broader upgrade and ensures the community benefits from improved access as soon as possible.
"The appointment of a contractor is a major step forward for the Maria River Road community, who have shown enormous patience as we worked through the complex approvals and environmental requirements," PMHC Mayor Adam Roberts, said.
"This upgrade will deliver safer, more reliable connectivity for residents, businesses and visitors, and it's exciting to now be moving firmly into the delivery phase."
"This announcement gives our community real confidence that construction on Maria River Road is finally about to begin," KSC Mayor Kinne Ring said.
"We're proud to be partnering with Port Macquarie Hastings Council and the Australian and NSW Governments on an upgrade that will improve safety and strengthen the connection between our two regions."
NSW Minister for Roads and Regional Transport, Jenny Aitchison, said the project demonstrates the strength of collaboration between local, state, and federal governments to improve transport links for regional communities.
"The Maria River Road upgrade will make a meaningful and long-lasting difference to safety, resilience and everyday travel for the communities who rely on this route.
"It's a vital connection for residents, local businesses and the broader region, and this investment will help ensure it meets the needs of a growing and dynamic community.
"I'm pleased to see that the project is now moving toward the construction phase, marking a major step forward after extensive planning and environmental work. I look forward to the many benefits this upgrade will deliver for many years to come," she said.
With construction set to begin in early 2026, Council will focus on keeping the community informed as works get underway.
Regular updates on timing, traffic changes and milestones will be shared via the Maria River Road Upgrade project page: https://www.pmhc.nsw.gov.au/Maria-River-Road, on-site signage, and direct communication with residents and landowners.
