Permanent repairs are now complete on a landslip site above Stony Creek on Lawrence Hargrave Drive at Coalcliff, improving safety and resilience along the important northern Illawarra route.

The $835,000 project was jointly funded by the Albanese and Minns Labor Governments under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements.

Significant rainfall in 2024 caused the slope above Stony Creek, just south of Bombora Way, to erode and slip away.

Transport for NSW immediately installed temporary measures to prevent further erosion, including an asphalt edge and pipe to redirect water away from the damaged slope.
Permanent repair work began in late April and involved clearing vegetation and loose soil, rebuilding sections of the embankment, placing rock to stabilise the slope and installing a new concrete footing to support the guardrail.

Crews worked in difficult and constrained conditions, including using abseiling ropes to remove loose material by hand and specialised excavators to operate safely around the pedestrian bridge above the site.

The project forms part of more than $25 million provided by the Albanese and Minns Governments since 2022 to repair landslip damage along Lawrence Hargrave Drive.

Fifteen landslip sites along the corridor have now been repaired under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements, with investigations and procurement progressing for the five remaining sites.

Further work is expected to begin in early 2027 near the new Coalcliff pedestrian bridge and will include drainage repairs.

Additional work across the broader corridor has included installing geotechnical monitoring equipment to track slope movement and groundwater levels, investigating drainage systems to inform future upgrades and carrying out progressive slope stabilisation at nearby sites.

Quotes attributable to Federal Minister for Emergency Management Kristy McBain:

“Natural disaster recovery repairs can take time, and each site is prioritised based on various factors including safety, availability of resources and impacts to the community.

“We understand the impacts of these natural disaster events and thank motorists for their patience while these repairs were carried out.”

Quotes attributable to NSW Minister for the Illawarra and the South Coast Ryan Park:
“This investment is part of our ongoing commitment to rebuilding essential infrastructure across the Illawarra.
“These repairs are incredibly important to ensure our community has reliable road access, but also important for the safety of the thousands that travel on Lawrence Hargrave Drive every year.”

Quotes attributable to NSW Minister for Roads, Jenny Aitchison:
“The Minns Labor Government is working with the Albanese Labor Government to repair roads damaged by natural disasters and build greater resilience into our transport network.
“Lawrence Hargrave Drive is a critical connection for communities across the northern Illawarra, and these permanent repairs will help keep motorists moving safely.
“This $835,000 investment has delivered permanent repairs to stabilise the slope and improve the resilience of Lawrence Hargrave Drive.
“Crews have worked in challenging conditions to rebuild the embankment, stabilise the slope and install new infrastructure to support the guardrail.
Quotes attributable to NSW Minister for Recovery, Janelle Saffin:
“People need to be able to get to work, access essential services and remain connected, particularly during an emergency.
“It is great to see permanent repairs completed at this site, strengthening Lawrence Hargrave Drive and making the corridor more resilient to future severe weather events.
“The Minns Labor Government understands how important reliable roads are for communities recovering from natural disasters.
“This is another example of the Albanese and Minns Governments working together to support communities through recovery and rebuild critical infrastructure.”
Quotes attributable to Federal Member for Cunningham, Alison Byrnes MP:

"Everyone who uses Lawrence Hargrave Drive understands how important this road is as a connecter for the northern Illawarra suburbs both to Wollongong and Sydney. When the road is disconnected, it has a profound impact on our day to day lives.

“I know that local people also understand the complex challenges facing repairs along this stretch and I want to thank everyone in the community for your patience while these works were underway.

“The concurrent spate of natural disaster events has severely impacted stability along this vulnerable stretch of road, and while I understand some further works along Lawrence Hargrave Drive are still awaiting repair, I am pleased to see this section completed."

Quotes attributable to Member for Heathcote, Maryanne Stuart:
“I want to thank the crews who worked in difficult and constrained conditions to safely complete these permanent repairs.
“This included using abseiling ropes to remove loose material by hand and specialised excavators to carefully operate around the pedestrian bridge above the work site.
“With 15 sites now repaired along Lawrence Hargrave Drive, investigations and procurement are progressing for the five remaining locations.
“Work on the next site near the new Coalcliff pedestrian bridge will include drainage repairs and is expected to begin in early 2027.”