MidCoast Council has investigated hundreds of sealed and unsealed roads for damage from the May 2025 flood event, with a large quantity of claims currently under assessment by the NSW Reconstruction Authority, and some funding beginning to come through for road and bridge repairs.
The temporary bridge at Tiri is operational, while Council continues to work with the Reconstruction Authority on details of a permanent replacement bridge at Tiri.
The Bight Bridge reconstruction is in the early stages of design, with the Reconstruction Authority committing to providing early funding for the detailed design for the proposed replacement.
Priority work on Belbora Creek Road, Belbora kicks off this week. The road was severely damaged by the flood and also experienced heavier than normal traffic with the Tiri Bridge also knocked out by the flood. Work will include restoring the road surface, resheeting and cleaning of table drains. There may be some minor delays as traffic is directed around the works. While a detour is not required, residents may find it easier to use an alternate route. The work will take several weeks to complete, weather permitting.
So far Council has spent over $46m on flood recovery works, with $26m received from the Reconstruction Authority.
The total estimated damage to the road network sits in the order of $270m, which includes $42m in emergency and immediate repair works and over $225m in major reconstruction works. This figure is subject to change as the Reconstruction Authority confirms funding eligibility. While most claims have now been submitted, work on scoping and design continues in readiness for funding approval over the next couple of months.
Council will work with a range of contractors to get the repair works done as quickly as possible once funding for each claim is approved.
Council also continues to lobby for funding to repair other community spaces damaged by the flood, including the Wingham Memorial Pool, Taree foreshore revetment wall, and Tea Gardens foreshore revetment wall. Each of these projects will cost in the vicinity of $15 million. Grant funding from either the State or Federal Government is required to be able to deliver the reconstruction work needed.
For updates on road and bridge works, visit the Roads Hub at https://haveyoursay.midcoast.nsw.gov.au/midcoast-roads-hub
