A vital transport corridor connecting the Northern Tablelands and Mid North Coast is one step closer to restoration, with Armidale Regional Council awarding the major contract for the $319 million reconstruction of the Kempsey-Armidale Road.
Following a competitive procurement process, Bielby Holdings Pty Ltd has been appointed to deliver extensive restoration works between Big Hill and Blackbird Flat-a stretch severely impacted by landslips and natural disasters since the 2019 bushfires and subsequent floods.
Jointly funded by the Albanese and Minns Labor Governments, under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements , the awarding of the contract marks the largest Essential Public Asset Restoration project ever undertaken in NSW.
The NSW Reconstruction Authority and Transport for NSW have worked closely with Armidale Regional Council to progress this complex project, providing technical expertise and support through the planning and procurement stages to reach this significant milestone.
The project will restore 43 kilometres of Kempsey-Armidale Road alongside a five-kilometre section of Lower Creek Road, ensuring greater resilience and reliability for local residents, freight, agriculture, and tourism.
Site mobilisation and early works are scheduled to begin in the coming months, with major construction launching in 2027. Peak construction will create over 220 local jobs, with completion targeted for late 2029.
This announcement comes on the back of $4.6 billion in funding for asset restorations and emergency works across NSW in the wake of natural disasters. In the last financial year, the NSW Reconstruction Authority delivered $625 million straight to local communities to get projects moving.
Minister for Roads, Jenny Aitchison said:
"After the 2019 bushfires and subsequent flooding in 2020 and 2022, the scale of damage to the Kempsey - Armidale Road corridor was massive. Under the Liberals and Nationals, recovery of the natural disaster damage on the corridor was stalled.
"Having seen first-hand the impact of the destruction and deterioration of this vital road and the terrible flow-on effect for local people, farmers, freight operators and businesses, the Minns Labor Government worked collaboratively with Council and the Federal Government to ensure that the road could be reopened.
"The awarding of this contract to deliver the largest ever road reconstruction project ever delivered in NSW, is welcome news and a testament to the collaborative approach that the NSW Labor government has taken to reconnecting our regional, rural and remote communities, impacted by natural disasters."
Minister for Recovery and the North Coast Janelle Saffin said:
"Awarding this contract is a huge step forward for the region, highlighting our government's commitment to investing in the essential infrastructure that keeps our communities connected.
"As the largest road reconstruction project ever delivered in New South Wales following a disaster, this landmark $319 million investment reflects just how vital state and federal support is for restoring key regional transport links.
"Communities along the Northern Tablelands and Mid North Coast rely on the Kempsey-Armidale Road every day. Restoring this essential link is about bringing certainty back to the region-supporting local families, boosting businesses, and ensuring everyone has safe, reliable access to services and, most importantly, to each other."
Armidale Regional Council Mayor Sam Coupland said:
"This is the largest infrastructure project being delivered by a local council, and its importance to our community and the regional economy cannot be overstated.
"Council appreciates the patience and ongoing engagement of residents and businesses throughout what has been a long and challenging recovery process.
"We look forward to working with Bielby to deliver this major project and restore a critical connection for our region.
"A fully restored Kempsey-Armidale Road will improve access for local communities, support agriculture and business, and open up a beautiful part of our region to greater tourism and economic opportunities."
NSW Reconstruction Authority Executive Director Reconstruction Graham Kennett said:
"This is one of the most significant disaster reconstruction projects underway in NSW, involving complex engineering and construction works across some of the state's most challenging terrain.
"The appointment of the contractor is a major milestone, allowing us to progress detailed design and prepare for construction of the largest section of the road.
"The NSW Reconstruction Authority will continue to work closely with Armidale Regional Council and the contractor to support delivery of this critical infrastructure and ensure the road is rebuilt to better withstand future natural hazards."
