Full MidCoast flood recovery ‘likely by 2029’

RECOVERY continues across the MidCoast following the May 2025 flood event, however completion of works is not expected until 2029.

The recovery program – one of the biggest in the region’s history – includes repairs to roads, bridges, drainage, and landslips.

While work is underway, with Council working closely with the NSW Reconstruction Authority, Mayor Claire Pontin said the scale of the recovery means it will take time.

“This is a very large and complex program,” she said.

“We know the community wants fast results, especially when it comes to roads and bridges, and we are working hard to deliver that.”

Council has already assessed the majority of sealed roads for flood damage; completed major submissions for key routes like The Bucketts Way and Thunderbolts Way; captured damage data across the entire unsealed road network; submitted repair packages for more than 50 bridges; and progressed major bridge projects, including The Bight Bridge and Tiri Bridge, including a temporary access bridge at Tiri.

The total cost of the flood recovery program is currently estimated at around $281 million.

This includes $32.5 million for emergency works, $14.8 million for immediate repairs, and $233.7 million for major reconstruction projects.

As of 1 April, Council had spent more than $49 million on recovery works and received about $12 million in funding.

More than $70 million in funding claims has been submitted, with additional claims being prepared.

Many of these are still being assessed under Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements, which affects how quickly funds are received.

Council says it is carefully managing cashflow while waiting for funding approvals and advance payments.

Major reconstruction work will begin as funding is approved.

Some complex sites, including landslips and major road damage, are still being assessed and designed.

Due to the size of the program, full recovery is expected to take several years, with completion likely by 2029.

“We appreciate the community’s patience as we rebuild,” Mayor Pontin said.

“Our focus is on delivering safe, long-term solutions that restore our region’s essential infrastructure.”

All works are being delivered in line with Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements.