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Port Macquarie Council Confirms Major Road and Water Infrastructure Progress - Port Macquarie, NSW
Smart summary
Major transport upgrades and a $125 million water-treatment project are among the latest infrastructure developments announced for the Port Macquarie-Hastings region.
Major infrastructure projects are progressing across the Port Macquarie-Hastings region, with several significant developments confirmed on 13 August 2026.
The latest update includes progress on planned upgrades to the Oxley Highway, including the section between the Pacific Highway at Thrumster and Hastings River Drive. The work is expected to improve traffic capacity, safety and connections between growing residential areas and the broader Port Macquarie transport network.
Detailed design and works are set to progress at the Oxley Highway and Pacific Highway interchange, with previously announced funding being used to move the project forward. Planning has also been confirmed for proposed improvements around Wrights Road and Lake Road, two important roads within the Port Macquarie area.
Other intersections identified for future upgrades include the Oxley Highway and John Oxley Drive interchange near Philip Charley Drive, the Oxley Highway and Carlie Jane Drive interchange, and the Widderson Street intersection.
The road projects are particularly important as Port Macquarie continues to experience population growth and development. Increased residential development can place additional pressure on existing roads, particularly during peak travel periods. Improving major intersections and road corridors can help manage traffic volumes while also improving safety.
Local authorities are continuing to seek a firm funding commitment and construction timeline for the Wrights Road to Lake Road corridor. The corridor is considered an important transport connection, and further upgrades could improve movement through the area as development continues.
Another major development involves the Cowarra Water Treatment Plant. A contract has been awarded for the design and construction of the facility, with an estimated value of $125 million. The project represents the largest infrastructure investment undertaken by the local council and is expected to strengthen the region's long-term water infrastructure.
Water infrastructure is particularly important for a growing regional centre. A reliable treatment system helps support households, businesses and future development while ensuring the community has appropriate capacity to meet changing water demands.
Work is also progressing on the Stoney Creek Bridge project. A formal commencement ceremony has taken place for the replacement of the existing temporary one-lane bridge on Pembrooke Road with a modern two-lane concrete structure.
The new bridge is designed to provide a safer and more resilient transport connection. The project is supported by $6.5 million in Commonwealth and NSW Government funding through the Regional Roads and Transport Recovery Package.
The bridge replacement is important for local residents and road users because the existing temporary structure provides only a single lane. A permanent two-lane bridge should improve traffic movement and provide greater reliability for the surrounding community.
Together, the road, bridge and water projects represent significant investment in the Port Macquarie-Hastings region. They cover several essential areas, including transport safety, traffic capacity, water security and community resilience.
The projects are also important as Port Macquarie continues to develop as a major regional centre on the NSW Mid North Coast. Maintaining and expanding essential infrastructure is necessary to support residents, businesses and future population growth.
Further planning and construction milestones are expected as individual projects progress.
RoadPortWaterBridgeHighway
Major infrastructure projects are progressing across the Port Macquarie-Hastings region, with several significant developments confirmed on 13 August 2026.
The latest update includes progress on planned upgrades to the Oxley Highway, including the section between the Pacific Highway at Thrumster and Hastings River Drive. The work is expected to improve traffic capacity, safety and connections between growing residential areas and the broader Port Macquarie transport network.
Detailed design and works are set to progress at the Oxley Highway and Pacific Highway interchange, with previously announced funding being used to move the project forward. Planning has also been confirmed for proposed improvements around Wrights Road and Lake Road, two important roads within the Port Macquarie area.
Other intersections identified for future upgrades include the Oxley Highway and John Oxley Drive interchange near Philip Charley Drive, the Oxley Highway and Carlie Jane Drive interchange, and the Widderson Street intersection.
The road projects are particularly important as Port Macquarie continues to experience population growth and development. Increased residential development can place additional pressure on existing roads, particularly during peak travel periods. Improving major intersections and road corridors can help manage traffic volumes while also improving safety.
Local authorities are continuing to seek a firm funding commitment and construction timeline for the Wrights Road to Lake Road corridor. The corridor is considered an important transport connection, and further upgrades could improve movement through the area as development continues.
Another major development involves the Cowarra Water Treatment Plant. A contract has been awarded for the design and construction of the facility, with an estimated value of $125 million. The project represents the largest infrastructure investment undertaken by the local council and is expected to strengthen the region's long-term water infrastructure.
Water infrastructure is particularly important for a growing regional centre. A reliable treatment system helps support households, businesses and future development while ensuring the community has appropriate capacity to meet changing water demands.
Work is also progressing on the Stoney Creek Bridge project. A formal commencement ceremony has taken place for the replacement of the existing temporary one-lane bridge on Pembrooke Road with a modern two-lane concrete structure.
The new bridge is designed to provide a safer and more resilient transport connection. The project is supported by $6.5 million in Commonwealth and NSW Government funding through the Regional Roads and Transport Recovery Package.
The bridge replacement is important for local residents and road users because the existing temporary structure provides only a single lane. A permanent two-lane bridge should improve traffic movement and provide greater reliability for the surrounding community.
Together, the road, bridge and water projects represent significant investment in the Port Macquarie-Hastings region. They cover several essential areas, including transport safety, traffic capacity, water security and community resilience.
The projects are also important as Port Macquarie continues to develop as a major regional centre on the NSW Mid North Coast. Maintaining and expanding essential infrastructure is necessary to support residents, businesses and future population growth.
Further planning and construction milestones are expected as individual projects progress.
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