Port Stephens Invests $20 Million in Major Road Repairs

newy.com.au – Port Stephens Council is ramping up efforts to improve local roads, committing over $20 million to its newly launched Roads Acceleration Program (RAP). The initiative is a response to ongoing community concerns about road conditions and aims to enhance safety and reliability across the region.

Mayor Leah Anderson said the program was developed after extensive community consultation, making road maintenance a top priority.

“We know how important safe and reliable roads are to our community,” Mayor Anderson said. “Residents and businesses have made it clear that road upgrades need urgent attention, and we’re taking action.”

The RAP will be funded through a mix of existing council allocations, a $7.1 million contribution from the Special Rate Variation, and $10 million in State and Federal grants. The investment will focus on targeted road maintenance and upgrades to improve driving conditions.

“With over 800 kilometres of roads under our management, we recognise this funding is just the beginning,” Mayor Anderson said. “We’ll continue looking for additional savings and funding sources to expand the program even further.”

The council is also advocating for increased support from State and Federal Governments to address ongoing challenges, including asset backlogs, rising material costs, and limited financial resources.

As the program progresses, the council will keep the community informed about funding options and potential future expansions.

Residents can stay updated on local roadworks and plan their travel by visiting pscouncil.info/roads-maintenance.