50kmph Speed Limit
On Thursday July 31 it was announced that the speed limit on Barrenjoey Road between Newport hill and Palm Beach will be reduced from 60 to 50 kilometres per hour from Thursday 7 August, following a safety review.
The Newport Road Safety Review identified 46 crashes between July 2019 and June 2024 along Barrenjoey Road from Beaconsfield Street, Newport to Crane Lodge Place, Palm Beach. In response, Transport for NSW reduced the speed limit to 50 kilometres per hour in both directions to improve safety for pedestrians, cyclists, and motorists, and to align this section of road with NSW Speed Zoning Standards.
Independent Member for Pittwater Jacqui Scruby said that the reduction in speed was a response to both data and community concern.
“This was not a NSW State Government initiative, nor a Council initiative but was instead driven by community groups and business groups and requested by Rory Amon. It is, however, disappointing there was no broader community consultation or engagement.
“This change will put people before pace, which reflects our community values” Ms Scruby said.
Ms Scruby also noted benefits to local business. “Newport in particular is a shopping strip that is facing significant challenges, and this measure will help entice people to stop and shop, which will benefit local businesses and go some way to supporting a revitalisation of Newport.”
''Data shows we have had accidents in this stretch and from Transport for NSW research clearly shows pedestrian safety benefits, with distance to stopping halving for each 10km less of speed. The drop to 50km/hr from 60km/hr will reduce the distance to stop by approximately 20m.
“This is particularly important in high pedestrian areas, including the Newport shopping precinct, and the stretch from Avalon to aptly named 'Kamikaze Corner', where there is no footpath and people risk their safety walking very close to the traffic. Most people who have walked that stretch will recollect a close call.” Ms Scruby said.
“Not everyone will welcome this decision, but it has clear evidence of the safety benefits and this was requested by key groups in our community. Footpaths and better infrastructure are also needed which I will continue to advocate for, many which have been promised for decades and never delivered,” Ms Scruby said.
Speed limits were already 50km/hr from Etival Rd to Palm Beach with a 40km/hr stretch outside Barrenjoey house.
On Friday October 24 a young child, a 6-year-old, ran out in front of a car near Hitchcock Park North Avalon. Fortunately the young man driving the vehicle was able to stop and the child is alright, apart from scratches and a fracture.
Residents, including a parent of the child, have pointed out had it not been for the reduction of the speed limit to 50kmh this could have been a very different outcome.
Potholes on State Roads: NSW Government announces a Road Blitz
In a Private Members statement on the evening of September 18 2025, Pittwater MP Jacqui Scruby stated:
Today I speak on an issue that unites my electorate like no other, at the moment, at least. It dominates conversations, whether it is a quick run-in at the supermarket, coffee with friends or discussions at major community events. That issue is potholes. Across the northern beaches and, indeed, the State, potholes have multiplied in the wake of the unprecedented rainfall this year, particularly in August. Sydney has already received over 1,350 millimetres of rain, well above the annual average. The August downpour alone, up to 650 per cent above average, turned many of our roads into obstacle courses. People just want the basics. They want safe, reliable and smooth roads. Although the rain and potholes hit the whole of Sydney, when I drive through other areas like Willoughby or North Sydney the roads are noticeably better and more recently maintained.
NRMA has ranked the northern beaches among the worst for potholes in New South Wales. I have recently personally pulled over to help motorists—when I say "help", it was more providing moral support than assisting with changing their tyres, because I am not too good at that—stranded with blown tyres, car after car, on one evening. My office has been inundated with complaints, and local Facebook groups from Terrey Hills to Avalon are full of photos of busted tyres and damaged cars. My office directs people to the official reporting systems, of course. However, from earlier this year, constituents have also contacted me to inform me that they have made claims for compensation that are denied as a result of the pothole not being known to Transport for NSW or the contractor.
It raises the obvious question of how potholes are identified. It is my understanding that State roads are inspected only once a month, irrespective of weather or torrential rain. If potholes are not reported by the public, they may go unnoticed for weeks. It then carries the risk, particularly when potholes appear every few metres after a huge downpour like we have had, that they may be so ubiquitous that people do not report them at all. When they do, they might just focus on the large ones and not report the smaller ones that, left unattended, become larger and more dangerous. The consequences are serious. Drivers in one part of my electorate are swerving onto the wrong side of the road to avoid potholes, often crossing double lines and risking head-on collisions. This is not just an inconvenience; it is a public safety risk.
Given that we are effectively relying on crowdsourcing to report potholes, how do we know anything is being done? I decided to take it upon myself to report the major ones personally. I found that the online reporting portal is incredibly clunky. It does not indicate potholes that have already been reported and rejects images from your iPhone on the basis that they are too large. The only alternative is ringing the Transport for NSW hotline. At times it was responsive, but weeks later many of the reported potholes remained. I have also made representations to Ministers to prioritise bus corridors because we rely on our buses, particularly with the recent return of the bendy buses. All in all, it is a frustrating and time-consuming process given the number of potholes.
In 2025, why are we relying on monthly inspections and cumbersome online forms instead of modern tools? Apps like Waze already crowdsource in a more efficient way at the press of a button. I note that this Government announced a trial with AI technology for the Canterbury-Bankstown region to detect potholes using cameras on vehicles. I have placed questions on notice about the results of this trial, but I am not sure about them at this stage. The Government has rightly provided surge support for regional areas, but metropolitan Sydney has been left behind. I call on the Government to provide more money for roads, particularly pothole repairs and upgrades after major rain events.
This is Australia's largest city, arguably the largest city in the southern hemisphere—or at least, the best—and August has taught us that our road management system may no longer be fit for purpose. Contracts such as those with Connect Sydney cost the taxpayer approximately $5 million per year, and I feel they need to be looked at for key performance indicators and opportunities for AI to be embraced. This is an issue that needs further scrutiny. It should not fall to local MPs to drive around State roads documenting defects while contractors are being paid to do that very job. Of course, this issue will only grow. Climate change means heavier rainfall, more flooding and more road damage. If the roads are not fit for purpose, we need a different model. Potholes may seem like a small problem, but they symbolise something larger. I call on the Government to better fund pothole repairs.
On Monday October 13 the Minns Government announced it is fast-tracking $200 million to deliver a pothole and road maintenance blitz across Sydney’s busiest corridors, following one of the city’s wettest Winters on record.
''This investment brings Greater Sydney’s total road maintenance funding for 2025-26 to $488 million, improving the safety, reliability, and resilience of the network by ensuring faster repairs, fewer potholes, and reduced vehicle damage.'' the government stated
''More than 5,100 potholes have already been repaired across Sydney’s roads in August and September alone.''
The government stated work under this program will be prioritised based on:
- traffic volumes,
- the location and severity of the pothole, and
- the road’s importance for freight, bus services, and emergency access.
The government reminded resident that around 15 per cent of pothole repairs are identified through public reports, which can be made to Transport for NSW online here, or by phoning 131 700.
The Government stated that last year alone, 1.57 million hours of maintenance work were completed across Sydney’s roads, resulting in:
- 10,879 potholes repaired
- Nearly 1 million square metres of road resurfaced – equivalent to more than 125 football fields
- 344,000 linear metres of new line markings
In August 2025, the Minns Labor Government also announced $155 million in accelerated funding for a maintenance blitz across regional NSW, bringing total maintenance investment in non-metropolitan communities to $1.25 billion this financial year.
Premier of New South Wales, Chris Minns said:
“We know how frustrating it is for drivers to deal with damaged roads and potholes, especially after one of Sydney’s wettest Winters on record.”
“This $200 million blitz will help make sure our roads are safer and more reliable, while supporting the crews who are already working hard every day to keep Sydney moving.
“Our Government is getting on with building the new roads that growing communities need, but we’re also making sure that the roads people use every day are maintained to a standard that keeps them safe.
“We’re investing in both the future of our road network and the quality of the drive today because whether you’re commuting to work, dropping the kids off at school or running a small business, safe and reliable roads matter.”
Minister for Roads Jenny Aitchison said:
"This $200 million acceleration of funding proves the Minns Labor Government is serious about Building a Better NSW. Not only are we delivering new major road projects, we're also fixing the roads families rely on every single day.
"This work might not get ribbon cuttings, but we take enormous pride in delivering safe, reliable travel for everyone who uses our road network. This blitz for Sydney's key corridors is an investment in reliable, resilient infrastructure that keeps the city moving.
"I want to thank our incredible maintenance teams whose work makes a real difference to every Sydney driver's daily journey."
NRMA launches safety campaign as wheel and tyre damage spikes
New data from the NRMA released on May 1 2025 revealed damage to wheels and tyres have hit almost 45,000 calls for help across NSW and the ACT so far this year, with wet weather expected to see the number increase during the cold months.
Persistent rain throughout NSW and the ACT and flooding along the north coast of NSW has meant motorists have again been forced to contend with damaged roads and potholes. Over 9,200 calls for help were recorded in the first 28 days of April alone.
In 2024 NRMA patrols responded 141,650 calls for tyre and wheel damage.
NRMA Spokesperson Peter Khoury said the organisation was committed to mobilising its members and the broader community to deliver policy outcomes that would save lives.
“No one knows the issues on local roads better than the locals who drive them – the road toll is again too high in 2025 and the NRMA needs the community’s help to bring about change,” Mr Khoury said.
“Whether you reckon more needs to be done to make school zones safer, improve road quality to prevent future potholes, or increase the number of free parking spaces; whatever you think needs to be done, we want to hear from you.
“The NRMA is for road safety and hearing from all Australians is vital in directing our efforts to bring about policy change and infrastructure funding at all levels of Government.”
Across Sydney, the LGAs which saw the highest numbers of additional calls during this period were Blacktown (236), Northern Beaches (186), Sydney (112) and Canterbury Bankstown (111).
Outside of greater Sydney the most significant increases were seen in Mid Coast (97), Central Coast (41), Port Macquarie (39), Tweed (38), and Port Stephens (33).
“Continued high number of callouts for wheel and tyre damage showed local councils needed ongoing funding support from the federal and state governments to maintain roads to a safe standard following years of significant weather events wreaking havoc on infrastructure,” Mr Khoury said.
“We know for many of these areas, especially outside of greater Sydney, much of the damage is recent, with some of the NSW LGAs impacted by cyclone Alfred making the list already, and we expect to see numbers in these areas continue to rise as recovery efforts continue.
“Councils in these areas have been working hard to repair the damage, and it is vital they get the support they need to get roads in their regions fixed as quickly as possible.”
Council's Potholes: make a report to the council so they can fix them
At the September 16 2025 council meeting a Response to Question with Notice submitted by a Narrabeen Councillor regarding Claims for Damage to Vehicles arising from Potholes and Road Damage found that since the forced amalgamation 532 claims for damage to vehicles occasioned by potholes or road damage had been received. Of those claims 42 were successful and 400 were rejected.
At the October council meeting the same Councillor, through questions after an Address by a speaker at the Public Forum, determined that 100 claims are currently outstanding due to the high volume of claims the council has received.
Information currently available on the council's website states when dealing with claims, the council has certain protections from liability under the NSW Civil Liability Act 2002 and that the council may not be liable for damages arising from potholes and other hazards unless it was aware of the risk and acted negligently by not addressing the issue.
It is difficult to prove negligence, as councils argue they have limited resources, are dependent on government funding, and are unable to fix potholes as quickly as they appear, especially during poor weather conditions.
All local roads are managed and maintained by the council with the exception of declared Main Roads, which are the direct responsibility of Transport for NSW. The following roads are managed by the NSW Government and they are responsible for their maintenance, including repairing potholes:
- Beach Road
- Ocean Road
- Barrenjoey Road
- Pittwater Road
- Warringah Road
- Condamine Street (Brookvale to Burnt Bridge Creek Deviation)
- Burnt Bridge Creek Deviation and Myrtle Street overpass
- Forest Way
- Wakehurst Parkway
- Mona Vale Road
- McCarrs Creek Road (From Terrey Hills to McCarrs Creek Reserve)
- Liberator General San Martin Drive
- Sydney Road
- Belgrave Street
- Manly Road
- Frenchs Forest Road (in Seaforth)
The council urges residents to report potholes so they can make sure it’s on their works schedule. Report a local road pothole here.
State Government's Wakehurst Parkway Works to Commence in 2026
Independent Pittwater MP Jacqui Scruby was focused on local roads in the sessions of the NSW Parliament just prior to the Spring school holidays, asking the Minister for Roads, the Hon. Jenny Aitchison on Thursday September 18 when construction on the flood-mitigation works on the Parkway will commence. The key arterial road that runs to the city and to the hospital had been closed due to flooding, again, on September 10.
The Minister for Roads replied construction contracts are happening and that work will start in 2026.
Minister Aitchison expanded on her reply, stating:
'' The [current] member for Pittwater talked about those 22 closures in 2022. Sections of the road have been flooded, on average for five hours, six or seven times a year, so closures have not just happened in that time.
''Site one, close to Northern Beaches Hospital, is one of the most flood‑susceptible sites on the parkway. That section floods first and closes off the parkway, which then closes the northern beaches from the hospital and the rest of Sydney. The Government is changing that. An expression of interest for that construction work was released to the market in June this year to improve flood mitigation at that site. Four companies have been shortlisted to tender for that work....''
''We expect to award that contract in early 2026, and I am pleased to say that major construction will commence shortly after that. We are also partnering with Northern Beaches Council to deliver flood mitigation at sites two, three and four. Our concept designs are progressing on those sites, and we are working very closely with the council. I will be very pleased to share a further update with members in future.
There is $31.1 million in funding, of which $24 million is being worked through with Northern Beaches Council, and the remaining $7.1 million will go towards that work at site one.''
A quick search online shows an EOI (Expression of Interest) for pre-qualified contractors with Transport for NSW for 'Wakehurst Parkway Safety and Capacity Upgrades, Frenchs Forest to Narrabeen', made documents available on June 26 and the EOI closed on 23 July 2025. An overview provided to contractors was TfNSW’s objectives for the Project are to:
- Improve the network efficiency and increasing traffic flow.
- Improve road safety and reduce crashes in key areas.
- Improve capacity for future traffic growth.
- Improve active transport accessibility.
- Encourage the use of public and active Transport.
- Work with Northern Beaches Council to deliver flood improvements in the area.
The description stated 'The project is made of two areas of work, one in the south and one in the north. It includes intersection upgrades and a focus on improving safety and capacity...'
In January 2025 Dick Clarke, coordinator of the Elanora Heights Residents Association, expressed concerns about the proposed upgrade at the Elanora Rd / Parkway intersection, which removes the shelter lane in the centre for turning right/south, replaced with a concrete barrier.
"This clearly and obviously makes it dramatically less safe. The proper solution is a fully formed shelter lane." Mr Clarke said then
Elanora Heights Residents Association has suggested improvements to the planned works on Elanora road.
An overview is also available in the 2024 Key Features opened for feedback by both the state and local council. Council stated in 2023 its work at Oxford Falls and on the Oxford Road Falls West culverts, was costed at $17.5 million.
Their December 2023 update stated the project aims to reduce the frequency of flooding at four locations - Oxford Falls Road West, The Bends, Sydney Academy of Sport and Wakehurst Parkway at Oxford Falls.
The council's July 2024 update stated the Wakehurst Parkway Flood Improvement project, combined with Transport for NSW (Transport) Safety and Capacity Upgrades, represents an investment of more than $100 million into the critical road network
The NSW Government's 2025-26 Budget papers allocated Wakehurst Parkway Improvements: $21.283 million
The Improvements to Wakehurst Parkway had the highest allocation for the Pittwater electorate in the 2025-26 NSW Budget, with $67.5 million allocated overall.
The Budget Paper No.03 Infrastructure Statement records an Est. of $14,377,000 Total Cost to 30-06-25 and the $21,283,000.00 Allocation in 2025-26 Budget.
The State Government's Wakehurst Parkway Improvements webpage (for updates)
The Council's Wakehurst Parkway flood mitigation webpage for further updates and FAQ's and TfNSW's Wakehurst Parkway Improvements – Frenchs Forest to Narrabeen Response to submissions report (May 2024).
Mona Vale Road West: September 2025 Update
Transport for NSW's September 2025 update on the Mona Vale Road West Upgrade states:
Detailed design is underway, and we have been looking at opportunities to refine the project to better meet community needs.
Further investigations, surveys and targeted engagement with key stakeholders is being carried out to inform design refinements and ongoing project planning. We look forward to engaging with the broader community next year and are still on track to start construction in 2028.
Upcoming site investigations
From late September until late February 2026, weather permitting, we will be carrying out geotechnical and biodiversity investigations from McCarrs Creek Road to Powderworks Road.
Geotechnical investigations include:
- Establishing temporary work sites
- Using machinery to cut into the road
- Potholing or digging small trenches in the ground to locate existing underground services
- Drilling boreholes to assess underground conditions
- Assessing the condition of pavement
- Restoring the work area when our investigations are finished.
Please see map for location of geotechnical investigations.
Biodiversity investigations include:
Surveying in the project area from around McCarrs Creek Road to Powderworks Road to observe, identify and count plants, animals and other organisms. These investigations will be visual only and won’t involve any digging.
When and where we’ll be working
Where possible work will occur during standard construction hours between 7am and 6pm, Monday to Friday.
Work also will occur at night from 6pm to 7am to minimise impacts to traffic and/or for the safety of workers and community. Where possible, noisy work near residents will stop by midnight.
What will this mean for you?
During this work you may notice:
- Increased presence of workers and vehicles
- Traffic controllers and signage
- Temporary lane closures and reduced speeds
- Noise from machinery and equipment such as vehicles, trucks, drilling equipment, pavement equipment, concrete saws, generators, power tools, hand tools and vacuum trucks
Managing our impacts
We aim to manage our work to minimise impact to the community and the environment. This includes:
- Completing work during standard construction hours where possible
- Installing noise blankets around work sites where required
- Directing lighting towers away from properties, where possible, when working at night
- Turning off machinery and vehicles when not in use.
There will be some temporary traffic changes during this work, including lane closures which may affect travel times. Please keep to the speed limits and follow the directions of traffic control and signs.
We appreciate your patience as we complete this important work.
Location of site investigations
Budget Allocation 2025-26 Mona Vale Road West: $10 Million
The Government's Budget Paper No.03 Infrastructure Statement document lists $190.0 million allocated for Mona Vale Road West - McCarrs Creek Road to Powder Works Road (NSW and Australian Government funded).
$28,306 Expended Allocation of Total Cost To 30-06-25 $000 - $10,000,000.00 Allocation in 2025-26 Budget
Planning, design and environmental assessment work is slated to take about 2½ years, allowing construction to start in 2028. The construction will take around two years. A property acquisition process is set to begin early next year, the details of which are yet to be released.
The NSW Government, in announcing the allocation, listed the works that are in the project, which shows works to ancillary roads now form part of the updated package and costings. Increases in construction costs are also ongoing in all projects across Australia - the Mona Vale East upgrade costs blew out as well, to $250 million, from the announced $140 million.
The total cost for the project, jointly funded, is stated to be $500 million.
Key features of the Mona Vale Road West upgrade include:
- A new traffic signal intersection with Kimbriki Road, including additional dedicated turning lanes and a truck climbing lane
- Relocating the intersection with Tumburra Street to the west by about 40 metres and changing access to left turn in and left turn out only
- Closing the existing intersection with Addison Road to general traffic and restricting access to emergency vehicles only
- Constructing a new local road connection between Bungendore Street and Powder Works Road, using the existing Harvey Road corridor, and extending the new local road east of Addison Road to meet the intersection of Mona Vale Road and Powder Works Road
- Removing bus stops near Tumburra Street and re-directing bus services along the new local road connection and Tumburra Street to serve existing and future land uses
- Other features to encourage pedestrians and cyclists include a shared use path on the northern side of Mona Vale Road between McCarrs Creek Road and Addison Road and upgraded street lighting and landscaping for the full length of the project.
- To protect local wildlife, there will be a 40-metre fauna bridge over Mona Vale Road and two fauna underpasses***.
Previously:
NSW Budget green lights congestion busting Mona Vale Road West upgrade - Scruby delivers on Election Promise: Secures Funding - Week Four June 2025 reports
Scamps-Scruby-Quinn Secure $250m Funding Commitment from Federal Labor for Mona Vale Road West Upgrade - March 2025
Pittwater MP shows NSW Premier unfinished Mona Vale Road West Construction site - November 2024
***those who have had recent discussions with TfNSW have been left with the impression that this will not be honoured as originally stated in the April 2025 update, as listed above, which, as seen at the MVR East upgrade, causes deaths of local wildlife travelling along their historical, embedded into their DNA by generation after generation using the same, routes.
