In about six months' time, Port Macquarie-Hastings Council expects to find out if its submission to upgrade sections of Hastings River Drive is successful under round one of the National Stronger Regions Fund.

The fund targets infrastructure projects which boost social and economic development.

The council last week endorsed a submission to the fund to upgrade sections of Hastings River Drive from Gordon Street to Newport Island Road.

The council's general manager, Craig Swift-McNair, said the fund had a 50-50 requirement.

The council has detailed in this financial year's capital program and beyond an upgrade of Hastings River Drive from Gordon Street to Aston Street.

That part of the Hastings River Drive project is funded by a $5.6 million loan through the state government's Local Infrastructure Renewal Scheme.

The state government scheme entitles the council to claim a three per cent interest subsidy from the state government.

Hastings River Drive is a key road for traffic associated with Port Macquarie Airport and sporting events, as well as residential traffic.

It is the northern link to the Pacific Highway and is among five priority transport infrastructure gaps identified in a Port Macquarie-Hastings infrastructure gap analysis report.

The infrastructure gap analysis project stems from the Economic Development Steering Group's view that as a regional centre experiencing high levels of growth, quality and timely infrastructure development will be key to aiding economic growth.

Cr Trevor Sargeant asked whether it was possible to bring forward the road network study but council's infrastructure and asset management director Jeffery Sharp said the work required did not allow for a shorter timeframe.