Transport

Mandalong Road Upgrade

Mandalong Road in Morisset serves as the southern access point from the M1 to Lake Macquarie. Due to significant private investment and development in the south Lake Macquarie region, this corridor has seen increasing congestion and delays for commuters.

As more people in the local area rely on this pinch point to travel through the area, it is vital the Government invest in upgrading the insufficient roundabout arrangement, which services the Dora Street, Wyee Road and Freemans Drive traffic, to a fully signalised intersection. This will better manage the traffic flows through the Morisset township to and from the M1.

The project, delivered by Transport for NSW, and jointly funded by the NSW and Commonwealth Governments, will invest $76 million to make the necessary upgrades.

Final approvals are underway and, pending Commonwealth funding approval, works are expected to commence in 2027.

For more information you can visit the Transport for NSW project page HERE

Speers Point Transport Improvements

As growth in the northern end of the Lake Macquarie Electorate charges forward with residential and commercial development, the Speers Point Roundabout is no longer able to manage the traffic flow.

The NSW Government has committed $16 million to upgrade the roundabout to ease congestion and cut down travel times.

Construction has now begun with early works and site establishment well underway. Night works commenced September 2026 with a scheduled 12-month delivery.

I understand locals’ frustration with the delays this project has faced but am pleased to see works are finally underway.

This project is a great start to manage commuter traffic and overall growth in the area, but more needs to be done to ensure our road infrastructure caters to our growing community. I will continue to push for upgrades to the Park Road entrance to Speers Point Park off The Esplanade, to effectively manage traffic during peak commute times and special events held at the Park Precinct.

For all the information, visit the Transport for NSW project page HERE

Park Road - Speers Point Park

While Transport for NSW did not include the Park Road intersection (Speers Point Park entrance) in the Speers Point Roundabout scope of works, it is important to highlight the need for improvement at this location.

The Precinct includes the parklands, playground, jetty and cafes. It is also the home of the Speers Point Amateur Sailing Club, Speers Point Swim Centre and the Lake Macquarie Regional Football Facility, and special events are hosted throughout the year attracting thousands of visitors and increasing traffic at the already busy intersection.

Park Road currently directs all exiting traffic left toward the Speers Point roundabout and the nearby pedestrian crossing lacks visibility during peak traffic times. The area is also in need of upgraded bus stops which would benefit from proper all weather shelter. Park Road would undoubtedly be more functional with a fully signalised intersection.

I have made submissions to the Treasurer requesting funding for upgrades to this intersection as a matter of urgency.

Changes here would improve safety for pedestrians and motorists and provide safe and reliable access for those entering and exiting the Speers Point Park precinct without creating additional congestion at the Speers Point roundabout.

M1 Pacific Motorway

With the recent opening of the Black Hill to Raymond Terrace M1 extension, there is now a straight journey from Melbourne to Coffs Harbour without a single set of traffic lights. Sadly, the M1 through Lake Macquarie is one of the worst maintained sections of the nation’s busiest transport corridor.

Road surface deterioration and ageing infrastructure have caused the M1 to continue to degrade over time. While other sections of the M1 from Sydney to Newcastle have seen substantial resurfacing, road widening and interchange upgrades, the Lake Macquarie stretch has been neglected.

I continue to pursue for investment in this infrastructure to support safe and smooth journeys through the Lake Macquarie region.

Main Road - Dora Creek

The Dora Creek Main Road intersection is no longer fit for purpose. With increased development in Dora Creek and nearby Cooranbong, more residents rely on this intersection for their daily travel.

Plans were released for community consultation in November 2022, with a report released on the feedback in January 2024. Since then, nothing.

I have pressed for a budget commitment to proceed with the project. The plans are drawn, the community consulted, and now we need to get on with the job. But, as yet, there has not been any funding allocated for delivery of the upgrades.

I will continue to seek progress on this upgrade with the Government. For more information on the Dora Creek Main Road Intersection Upgrade visit the Transport for NSW project page HERE

Commuter Parking

Increasing accessibility to public transport connects communities and expands opportunities for employment and leisure travel. As we see more commercial and residential development in Lake Macquarie, solutions enabling better access to public transport are needed to serve our growing community.  

I have been outspoken about the need to increase commuter parking at Morisset and Fassifern train stations for many years. While the 2021-2022 Budget allocated funding for business cases under the Commuter Car Parking Program, we have seen no further progress. I am pursuing action on the findings of the business case with the Government.  

Morisset, Booragul, Teralba and Cockle Creek train stations have been identified as Transport Oriented Development Precincts under the NSW Government’s plan to increase housing around key train stations. Addressing parking at all these locations, particularly at Morisset, is imperative with the area’s development and growth.  

Read my Private Member’s Statement to NSW Parliament on Commuter Parking HERE

Public Buses

Lake Macquarie ranks extremely low for using buses as public transport. A 2024 Lake Macquarie City Council public consultation showed 75% of respondents rarely or never use public transport. 75% of respondents also noted some level of dissatisfaction with the current system. A trial of on-demand bus services would be an appropriate starting point to determine service needs while addressing a more permanent solution.

Transport for NSW released the Hunter Strategic Regional Integrated Transport Plan (SRITP) in October 2025 with an aim to deliver a transport network that provides a range of travel choices to all people living, working in, or visiting the Hunter region. The plan aims to reduce transport disadvantage by improving public and active transport options, especially in regional and rural areas, to enable better access to jobs, education, healthcare and other essential services.

I remain committed to working alongside State Government and Local Council to improve our services and increase satisfaction with the network. There is a need to focus on improved connectivity between buses and trains, as well as additional routes/services to accommodate our growing communities.