Clontarf Street at North Balgowlah has been identified among local pothole trouble spots as Northern Beaches Council considers ways to make repairs more durable. More than 9,000 potholes were repaired across council-managed roads in the 12 months to June.
Council weighs longer-lasting pothole treatments
Cr Vincent De Luca is seeking a review of pothole repair materials and techniques used by other Australian councils and road authorities. His proposal asks staff to examine more durable options, including full-depth asphalt patching and polymer-modified asphalt.
Northern Beaches Council says temporary pothole repairs can cost between $30 and $200 per hole, depending on the location and work required. Interim repairs are used to keep damaged roads safe before longer-term treatment is undertaken, while recurring failures can lead to heavier patching or resurfacing.
Questions about the durability of temporary repairs have previously been raised with the council. In September 2025, De Luca asked about repairs failing after rainfall and whether more cost-effective long-term methods had been investigated.
Wet weather adds pressure to damaged roads
Council has said prolonged rain can allow water to enter cracks in road surfaces, weakening pavement as traffic continues to pass over affected areas. During a wet period in 2025, 1,568 potholes were recorded between July and August, with 1,355 made safe.
Longer-term treatments used across the Northern Beaches include crack sealing, microsurfacing, heavy patching and road resurfacing. Additional funding from the council’s Special Variation to rates has supported road maintenance and renewal projects across the Northern Beaches, including works in several suburbs where potholes have been reported.
McIntosh Road moves to major pavement works
McIntosh Road between Dee Why and Narraweena has drawn particular attention after repeated pothole complaints. Council has said about $1.5 million will be spent on the worst-affected section, including pavement strengthening, kerb and gutter replacement and resurfacing.
A separate Australian Government project listing for McIntosh Road records an estimated project cost of $1.25 million and describes the pavement as affected by cracks, potholes and patches.
Broader renewal work is continuing across the area. Council reported $1.41 million in road resurfacing during April across Bayview, Beacon Hill, Dee Why, Narraweena and North Balgowlah.
ConnectSydney separately completed about 532 pothole repairs on contracted state roads in the Northern Beaches local government area from January 2025.
Residents can report council-road damage to Northern Beaches Council, while potholes on state roads including Warringah, Pittwater and Mona Vale roads are handled through the NSW Government.
Published 27-Aug-2026
