Oxley Highway corridor update: a positive step for Port Macquarie’s growth
The latest update on the Oxley Highway corridor is a positive step for Port Macquarie, with improved transport connectivity increasingly important to supporting the region’s continued population and economic growth.
The Oxley Highway is one of Port Macquarie’s most important transport links, connecting the Pacific Highway with residential communities, employment precincts, the CBD and major health and education infrastructure.
With approximately 23,500 vehicles travelling along the section between Billabong Drive and Hastings River Drive each day, including around 1,500 freight vehicles, the corridor is already experiencing significant demand (Transport for NSW).
That demand is expected to increase as new housing and employment areas continue to develop across Thrumster, Innes Peninsula and Sancrox, alongside the emerging Health and Education Precinct around Wrights Road.
Progress on a critical transport corridor
The Oxley Highway and Pacific Highway Interchange Upgrade represent an important first step in improving the corridor.
The NSW Government has committed $20 million towards the first stage of the interchange upgrade, which is designed to address congestion, improve safety and increase capacity. Proposed works include additional lanes, traffic signals and improvements to traffic flow between the interchange and Billabong Drive (Transport for NSW).
The project forms part of the broader Oxley Highway Future Growth Program, which considers improvements along the corridor between Hastings River Drive and Billabong Drive.
Transport for NSW is also investigating improvements at a number of key intersections, including John Oxley Drive, Wrights Road and Lake Road, as well as Carlie Jane Drive, Clifton Drive and Widderson Street (Transport for NSW).
Supporting Port Macquarie’s growth
The need for improved transport infrastructure is closely linked to the scale of growth occurring across Port Macquarie-Hastings.
Port Macquarie-Hastings Council has identified the Wrights Road to Lake Road section as a particular priority, citing increasing congestion and the need to support more than 15,000 new homes planned across the local government area (Port Macquarie-Hastings Council).
Council has continued advocating for funding for these upgrades, including in the lead-up to the 2026 NSW Budget. While funding for the requested Wrights Road to Lake Road works was not included in the latest Budget, Council has confirmed it will continue to advocate for the project (Port Macquarie-Hastings Council).
The NSW Government is also considering the corridor in the context of longer-term growth, with planning incorporating public transport, walking and cycling connectivity alongside road improvements (Port Macquarie-Hastings Council).
Why it matters for commercial property
Infrastructure investment is an important consideration for Port Macquarie’s commercial property market.
Improved road capacity and connectivity can support the accessibility of employment, industrial and commercial areas, while strengthening connections between growing residential areas and the places where people work, shop and access essential services.
This is particularly relevant around Sancrox, Thrumster and the Health and Education Precinct, where continued development is expected to generate additional employment and transport demand.
For investors and developers, infrastructure planning can therefore provide an important indication of how an area is expected to evolve over the longer term.
A positive step, with more to come
The progression of the Pacific Highway and Oxley Highway interchange upgrade is encouraging and provides momentum towards addressing one of Port Macquarie’s most recognised transport constraints.
However, the broader corridor will require continued planning, investment and advocacy as the region grows.
With Port Macquarie-Hastings projected to exceed 100,000 residents by 2035, ensuring infrastructure keeps pace with population and employment growth will be critical to maintaining the region’s liveability and supporting its economic potential (Port Macquarie-Hastings Council).
For the commercial property market, the Oxley Highway is therefore a road infrastructure story worth watching.
As Port Macquarie continues to grow, improved transport connectivity will play an important role in supporting where people live, where businesses operate and where future investment is directed.
