Joint media release with the Hon Jenny Aitchison MP and the Hon Janelle Saffin MP
Newcastle motorists are set to benefit from a safer, more resilient Old Maitland Road, with work now underway on a major road upgrade.
The Albanese and Minns Labor governments are investing almost $4 million through the Regional Roads and Transport Recovery Package, which is jointly funded under the Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA), to support the City of Newcastle's upgrade of Old Maitland Road.
The package supports councils across northern NSW to rebuild transport infrastructure damaged by the February and March 2022 floods while improving resilience to future disasters.
The project will upgrade a 360-metre section of Old Maitland Road between Galleghan Street and Hexham Park. Works include stronger road pavements, improved drainage, resurfacing, paved shoulders and improved access for on-street parking and cyclists, helping the road better withstand future extreme weather.
The upgraded road will address existing drainage issues that cause water to pond along the road edge, reducing damage to the pavement and shoulders. Improved drainage and stronger construction will help minimise future damage during severe weather, reducing maintenance needs and disruption for the community.
Early works are already underway with major construction starting in September 2026. The upgrade is scheduled for completion by the end of the year.
Quotes attributable to Federal Minister for Emergency Management, Kristy McBain:
"The Australian Government is committed to helping communities recover from natural disasters while ensuring infrastructure is rebuilt stronger and more resilient for the future.
"This investment in Old Maitland Road at Hexham will not only improve safety for motorists, cyclists and local residents, it will help this important transport link better withstand the impacts of future flooding and severe weather.
"Through the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements, we are working with the NSW Government and local councils, reducing future disruption and helping communities stay connected when they need it most."
Quotes attributable to NSW Minister for Roads, Jenny Aitchison:
"Many regional communities face flooding as a regular reality, which makes building infrastructure that can withstand future storms critical.
This betterment package means roads and other transport assets may be able to stay open longer during a disaster and open again sooner after the disaster has passed, allowing vital food, medical supplies and other essentials to be moved and hastening recovery for local communities."
Quotes attributable to NSW Minister for Recovery, Janelle Saffin:
"We are committed to supporting local councils so they can build back better, smarter, and stronger after severe weather events.
"By investing in the Regional Roads and Transport Recovery Package, we are giving City of Newcastle the support it needs to deliver upgraded infrastructure that will stand up to future floods and keep the community moving.
"Old Maitland Road is a vital connection for Newcastle residents and a key emergency detour route for the Pacific Highway. Making this road more resilient means safer daily commutes, less disruption during severe weather, and faster recovery for local families and businesses."
Quotes attributable to Federal Member for Newcastle Sharon Claydon:
"Hexham is one of Newcastle's most important transport gateways, and Novocastrians know just how disruptive flooding and road damage can be. This investment will make Old Maitland Road safer, more reliable and better able to withstand future severe weather events.
"This project builds on the Albanese Labor Government's significant investment in Newcastle's transport network - from the Newcastle Inner City Bypass and the Hexham Straight widening to the M1 to Raymond Terrace extension - ensuring the Hexham corridor remains a safer, more resilient and more reliable route for local families, businesses and freight operators."
Quotes attributable to NSW Member for Newcastle Tim Crackanthorp:
"Novocastrians know all too well the stress and disruption that severe weather causes along this corridor.
"This $4 million investment into Old Maitland Road isn't just about laying down fresh asphalt-it's about giving our community a safer, more reliable link that won't wash out when the next heavy rain hits.
"Whether you're commuting, doing the school run, or relying on this route during an emergency, these upgrades will deliver real peace of mind for local families and drivers."
Quotes attributable to City of Newcastle Executive Director City Infrastructure David Witherdin:
"The project would improve the resilience of a priority section of Old Maitland Road.
"This stage of work will help make this section of Old Maitland Road more resilient and better able to withstand flood events in the future.
"That means less damage and maintenance being required at a time when our crews are also responding to our wider road network following natural disaster impacts."
Chair of City of Newcastle's Infrastructure Strategic Advisory Committee Cr Peta Winney-Baartz:
"Natural disasters place enormous pressure on local communities, which is why it is so important that all levels of government work together to fund infrastructure projects that strengthen resilience and support recovery.
"We welcome the support of the Australian and NSW governments in partnering with City of Newcastle to deliver these vital upgrades."
