This critically endangered species sits at the heart of the proposed Mona Vale Road Upgrade

While commuters may rejoice at the expansion of the often congested road, the path forward for the Grevillea caleyi — native to the area of Terrey Hills and Ingleside — remains uncertain.

Huw Bradshaw
June 24, 2025

Mona Vale road is set to receive funding in the 2025-26 NSW budget for its long-anticipated upgrade, widening part of the road’s western section, between Ingleside and Terrey Hills, from two to four lanes. The funding will come jointly, split between two contributions of $250 million from the State and Federal government. The project is expected to begin construction in 2028.

The funding announcements have been attributed to the “constructive advocacy” of local MPs Jacqui Scruby and Sophie Scamps, both of whom advocated strongly for the road's prompt upgrade.

The upgrade is likely to please commuters in the North Shore and Northern Beaches area who may have experienced congestion or traffic bottlenecks along the road.

However, at the centre of the upgrade, a critically endangered native species will be put at risk. The Grevillea caleyi, or Caley's grevillea, is a spreading shrub that habitates the areas in and surrounding Belrose, Terrey Hills, and Duffys Forest.

The plant can be identified by its deeply divided, compound pinnate leaves, and it’s maroon red toothbrush-like flowers.

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Willoughby Council has called for local residents and organisations to avoid use of Spanish Moss, or Old Man’s Beard, warning of the harm the weed can cause native flora.

The expansion of Mona Vale road has previously been identified as a threat to the species in environmental assessments of the project undertaken in 2017. A previous study undertaken by the NSW Scientific Committee found that a significant amount of the plant's habitat is within 10-20 metres of Mona Vale road. The study also found that, in a worst-case scenario, expansion of the road could result in the elimination of 45-60 percent of the plant's population.

Speaking to locals familiar with the grevillea and conservation efforts, it seems the study’s concerns are well founded.

Volunteer group Pittwater Natural Heritage Association undertook bush regeneration work between 2013 and 2020 to improve the grevilia’s habitat along Mona Vale road.

David, a member of the group who worked on regeneration efforts, told the Lorikeet that “this site has a significant population of Grevillea caleyi, some of which grows close to Mona Vale Road”.

“There are also populations beside Mona Vale Road at Terry Hills which also could be affected by the road upgrade.”

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When approached for comment, a spokesperson for Transport for NSW said the department “understands the importance of the natural environment and is committed to minimising our impact and protecting the local plant and animal life.”

“Previous environmental surveys undertaken in 2016 identified Grevillea caleyi within the project study area. Given the time that has elapsed since, Transport is in the process of engaging biodiversity consultants to re-survey the area and re-assess all biodiversity impacts associated with the project, including potential impact on Grevillea caleyi.”

Image Credit: Australian Plants Society NSW, Transport for NSW