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Communities on a key stretch of Wilsons Creek Road between Upper Wilsons Creek and Alidenes Road in the Northern Rivers now have more reliable access to and from their homes with the completion of major work to upgrade Wilsons Creek Road.
The $10.7 million project was jointly funded by the Albanese and Minns Governments under the joint Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).
As well as improving flood resilience, the works will minimise future repair costs associated with natural disasters.
The completed works include upgrades to culverts, landslip repairs, shoulder widening, drainage improvements, and strengthening the road pavement through pavement stabilisation and resurfacing at various locations.
Significant work started in mid-2025 and was finished in March 2026. Further flood repair work will be completed over the coming years.
Quotes attributable to Federal Minister for Emergency Management, Kristy McBain:
“People who use Wilsons Creek Road can now look forward to improved journeys in all types of weather thanks to this upgrade.
“Roads link communities to vital services like healthcare and education, as well as enabling the delivery of freight and the movement of livestock on a more reliable road network.”
Quotes attributable to NSW Minister for Roads, Jenny Aitchison:
“Communities in the Northern Rivers deserve a road they can rely on in all conditions.
“Wilsons Creek Road is a vital link for people living in these hinterland communities, and this upgrade means safer, more reliable access to work, school and essential services.
“The Albanese and Minns Labor governments are working together to ensure we’re rebuilding stronger after natural disasters, delivering practical improvements and reducing future repair costs for our regional communities.
“In a region prone to heavy rainfall, this work means locals can stay connected and keep moving, even during severe weather.”
Quotes attributable to NSW Minister for Recovery, Janelle Saffin:
“For the communities of Wilsons Creek, Huonbrook, and Wanganui, this road isn’t just a transport route – it is a lifeline.
“By repairing major landslips and strengthening the pavement, we are giving these residents the peace of mind that they can stay connected to healthcare, school, and each other, even when the weather turns.
“This project is a great example of the three levels of government working together to building back better infrastructure our communities can rely on.”
Quotes attributable to Federal Member for Richmond Justine Elliot:
“As your local MP, I’m proud to have delivered more than $10.6 million in joint funding from the Federal and NSW Labor Governments towards the upgrade of Wilsons Creek Road.
“The Albanese Labor Government is helping the North Coast build back better, by ensuring our infrastructure and roads are more resilient in future weather events.
“The upgrades to Wilsons Creek Road is yet another example of us delivering on our commitment to more resilient roads on the North Coast.”
Quotes attributable to Byron Shire Mayor, Sarah Ndiaye:
“Wilsons Creek Road is looking great, and the local community is really happy with the flood repair work that has been delivered to date.
“Although there is still a lot of work to be done on flood recovery projects around Byron Shire, seeing major landslips on Wilsons Creek Road repaired, is a real milestone in the flood recovery journey. And we look forward to partnering with the state and federal governments to complete repairs.”
Photo caption: Byron Shire Mayor Cr Sarah Ndiaye makes a speech, watched on by, from left, State Member for Ballina Tamara Smith, Federal Member for Richmond Justine Elliot and NSW Minister for Recovery and State Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin.
