The Hon. Jenny Aitchison, Minister for Roads and Minister Regional Transport (NSW), Media Release, 30 September 2025

The Minns Labor Government is delivering on its commitment to build a better NSW, with a game-changing $37.5 million investment to transform more than 470 kilometres of state-managed roads across the regions. 

Forming part of the government’s focus to improve the safety, resilience and reliability of NSW roads, Transport for NSW is now undertaking a 10-month spray sealing program.

The initiative is targeting more than 20 state road corridors from Broken Hill to Byron Bay and as far south as Eden.

The advanced technology applies a protective layer of hot bitumen and aggregate that waterproofs roads against heavy rain damage while providing superior grip in all weather conditions – extending road life by up to 10 years.

This investment builds on the Minns Government’s already announced $155 million pothole and road repair blitz on state roads across regional NSW, demonstrating the Government’s unwavering commitment to ensuring communities in the regions get their fair share of infrastructure investment.

The comprehensive spray sealing program, which kicked off this month will run through June 2026, delivering smoother surfaces for the thousands of motorists who rely on these vital regional arteries every day.

As well as providing smoother journeys, the program is boosting safety on some of NSW’s most critical regional routes, including:

• Western NSW ($25 million): More than 300 kilometres including Gwydir Highway, Kamilaroi Highway, Carnarvon Highway, Newell Highway, Oxley Highway, Castlereagh Highway, Mitchell Highway, Golden Highway , Mendooran Road, plus Barrier and Silver City highways (works from September 2025 to June 2026)
• Southern NSW ($8.38 million): Nearly 100 kilometres including Snowy Mountains Highway, Princes Highway, Moss Vale Road, Kosciuszko Road, Hume Highway, Illawarra Highway, Federal Highway, Appin Road and Monaro Highway (works from October 2025 to April 2026)
• Northern NSW ($4.5 million): Over 70 kilometres including New England Highway, Gwydir Highway, and Bruxner Highway (works from October 2025 to March 2026)

Minister for Roads and Minister Regional Transport Jenny Aitchison said:

“The Minns Labor Government is getting on with the job of building better communities right across NSW.

“This is Labor delivering on our promise to leave no community behind. These aren’t just roads – they’re lifelines connecting our regional communities to jobs, healthcare, education and each other.

“Our freight operators, farmers, tourism industries, local businesses and communities depend on these corridors every single day. This investment shows the Minns Government understands that strong regional roads mean strong regional communities.

“Work is already underway with crews having started repairs on more than 45 kilometres around Broken Hill in September.

“This smart investment in spray sealing prevents costly road reconstruction while delivering safer, more reliable travel for regional families. From the Barrier Highway to the New England Highway, we’re ensuring our rural and regional communities get the road infrastructure they deserve.”

NRMA spokesperson Peter Khoury said:

“The NRMA welcomes this important funding commitment to improve the safety of regional highways.

“We particularly welcome the use of new technology which the NRMA has previously called for as it will build safer and more resilient roads.”