A major arterial road in the Hunter's future growth corridor is set for an $8.7 million redevelopment starting Monday. Deaves Road in Mandalong, which was severely damaged during a storm in April 2022 between Sauls Road and Crawford Road, will undergo rehabilitation to improve safety and resilience.
The funding is provided equally by the federal and state governments through the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements. Labor Minister for the Hunter Dan Repacholi said the project marks an important step in restoring and improving a crucial local road, with works focusing on drainage and making the route better able to withstand future storms.
Mandalong, a sparsely populated rural suburb of western Lake Macquarie, is earmarked for potential growth. The recent announcement of a high-speed rail station in nearby Morisset has spurred predictions of significant development, including up to 80,000 dwellings and 7,800 jobs within two kilometres of the station by 2061.
The High-Speed Rail Authority's business case also highlighted potential for a new residential suburb west of the M1 at Mandalong. Minister Repacholi emphasized the need for infrastructure to support the region's growth and resilience against natural disasters.
