infrastructure · Liverpool City Council
M7 Middleton Drive Extension hits $9.97 million funding shortfall
The $17.28 million remaining cost is nearly $10 million above the project’s original budget, with funding advice expected in January or February 2027.
Liverpool City Council is seeking $9.97 million in extra funding for the M7 Middleton Drive Extension, a shortfall that must be resolved before construction can begin. The extension is now expected to reach practical completion by December 2028 if funding and approvals are secured.
A Quantity Surveyor estimate puts the remaining planning and construction cost at $17.28 million. The project was originally allocated $9 million, comprising $6 million in Department of Planning and Environment grant funding and $3 million from Section 7.11 developer contributions. About $7.31 million remains after spending on planning, design and related project development work.
Planning and detailed design are complete, including the Review of Environmental Factors. The final design package is awaiting acceptance from Transport for NSW and Westlink Motorway Company.
The design includes an elevated shared path, clearance beneath the M7 bridges, flood-risk management measures and construction beside stormwater retention basins. The work took longer than expected because of the project's technical complexity and coordination with Transport for NSW, Westlink Motorway Company and specialist consultants.
Council has prepared a funding submission, supported by a letter from the acting chief executive, for the federal infrastructure, transport and regional development minister. It expects advice on the request in January or February 2027.
Other pre-construction requirements include finalising the Tripartite Interface Deed with Transport for NSW and Westlink Motorway Company. The agreement must be in place before construction can begin on land controlled by the two organisations.
Council must also finalise and publicly exhibit the Review of Environmental Factors. The exhibition is scheduled for October or November 2026.
Construction is expected to start shortly after the funding and remaining approvals are secured, with practical completion forecast for December 2028.
Reference minutes
Liverpool City Council, Council - 29 Jul 2026, 29 July 2026.
Key facts from the minutes
- The estimated remaining cost of the M7 Middleton Drive Extension is $17.28 million.
- About $7.31 million remains available after planning, design and project development expenditure.
- Council is seeking an additional $9.97 million above the original $9 million project budget.
- Funding advice is expected in January or February 2027.
- The Review of Environmental Factors is scheduled for public exhibition in October or November 2026.
- Practical completion is forecast for December 2028 if funding and approvals are secured.
Why it matters
- The $9.97 million shortfall puts the timing of the M7 Middleton Drive Extension at risk and leaves construction dependent on funding and remaining approvals.