Essential repair works are about to begin on a key section of Lawrence Hargrave Drive between Coalcliff and Stanwell Park, restoring a vital coastal route that was damaged during extreme weather events in early 2023.
The $1.8 million project, jointly funded by the Federal and New South Wales Governments under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA), will stabilise the eastern side of the road to prevent further ground movement. Works will involve clearing debris and vegetation, drilling steel rods into the slope, and installing a new guardrail.
Construction is set to commence on Monday, September 15, with completion expected by late November, weather permitting.
Federal Minister for Emergency Management Kristy McBain says the project is part of broader efforts to ensure regional roads are rebuilt stronger after severe weather.
“Natural disasters and heavy rainfall can have a significant impact on travel through our regions,” McBain says.
“It’s so important that we build back better after a severe weather event to ensure communities like the Illawarra can stay connected and be more resilient in the future.”
NSW Minister for Roads and Regional Transport Jenny Aitchison says the government has increased its commitment to recovery.
“The New South Wales Government has committed more than $1 billion to infrastructure repairs after storms and floods this year,” Aitchison says.
“That is five times what the previous Coalition government committed as they failed to appreciate the devastating impact of these events on roads and the communities that rely on them.”
Federal Member for Cunningham Alison Byrnes says the upgrade is critical to keeping locals connected.
“I know what an important thoroughfare this is for our community, and I am absolutely delighted that the Australian Government is supporting these crucial repair works to be completed,” Byrnes says.
“Stabilising the road will help keep our community safe and ensure that the road remains accessible, which is great news for local people.”
Member for Heathcote, Maryanne Stuart, adds that the project will be warmly welcomed.
“Lawrence Hargrave Drive is a key artery for our community, and it’s critical that it is kept safe for local motorists to use,” Stuart says.
“Our community has been looking forward to this project, and the start of works will be widely welcomed.”