Wombeyan Caves Road is a 61.5 km regional road, with approximately 31 km unsealed, around 4 metres wide, and located on unstable embankments without barriers. The road traverses complex and challenging terrain, which makes repairs and maintenance more difficult than standard local roads.
Repairs are funded under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA), a cost-sharing agreement between the Australian and NSW Governments to support recovery from natural disasters. Funding can only be used for identified and approved disaster damage, and works must be specific to the approved claim; it cannot be used for general upgrades or widening. More information: Australian Government - National Emergency Funding Arrangements
Works on the road will be staged to minimise disruption, with traffic only affected in active work zones. Once complete, the upgrades will boost safety, durability, and long-term performance.
The works represent the first stage, with ongoing analysis and repairs continuing to return the roads to the required service level for the community.
These projects are part of Council’s ongoing disaster recovery program, repairing priority roads after repeated floods and storms that have caused over $43 million in damage since 2019.
Wombeyan Caves Road is a challenging regional road – it stretches 61.5 km, with around 31 km unsealed, just 4 metres wide, and built on unstable embankments without barriers. The road was heavily damaged by floods in 2021 and 2023, including landslips, collapsed slopes, damaged drainage, and washed-out pavement. Council is repairing these priority sections to restore safe and reliable access.
Additional road repairs, also as a result of the floods in March 2021 and January 2023, will be undertaken to align the road either in conjunction with the slips works or immediately following to further improve the road.
Works will be staged to minimise traffic disruption; residents will be informed about closures or detours.
Council has completed pothole repairs, grading, and inspections, and emergency works are underway, including drain clearing, removing loose rocks and fallen trees, and filling potholes, to improve safety while permanent repairs are prepared.
Wombeyan Caves Road is complex and challenging terrain, so permanent repairs take time because:
Each damaged site requires detailed engineering assessments and design.
Works must meet strict state and federal disaster recovery funding requirements, including approvals and audits.
Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA) funding can only be spent on specific, approved disaster claims, so repairs cannot begin until funding and approvals are secured.
Some sites, like landslips or bridges, can take months to design and prepare before construction starts.
Repairs are funded under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).
The DRFA is a cost-sharing agreement between the Australian Government and NSW Government to support recovery from natural disasters.
Funding can only be used for identified and approved damage caused by disasters.
Works must be specific to the approved claim; DRFA funding cannot be used for general upgrades or widening.
The NSW Government provided $300,000 to investigate the road’s challenging unsealed terrain.
A corridor assessment using 3D LiDAR mapping and geotechnical analysis is identifying the most appropriate engineering solutions.
Final report (stability assessment) is expected to be completed in February 2026.
Once complete, Council will advocate for further funding to support future upgrades and strengthen resilience.
A historic tourism route, linking the Southern Highlands to Wombeyan Caves since the late 1800s.
Supports residents, local businesses, visitors, and emergency services.
Seven separate locations, each 50 - 150 metres long, Wombeyan Caves 2580 View Map
Seven separate locations, each 50 - 150 metres long , Wombeyan Caves 2580