BUDGET DELIVERS LONG-AWAITED COFFS HARBOUR BYPASS

DEPUTY Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Michael McCormack today visited Coffs Harbour to confirm that the 2018-19 Budget has locked in a commitment to fund a new Pacific Highway bypass of the city.

Mr McCormack said the Liberal and Nationals Government’s funding commitment of up to $971 million to the long-awaited bypass project would complement the $5.6 billion already being provided toward the duplication of the Pacific Highway.

“The project will deliver a 14-kilometre bypass of the Coffs Harbour urban area, starting from south of Englands Road roundabout and finishing at the southern end of the Sapphire to Woolgoolga upgrade,” Mr McCormack said.

“The Coffs Harbour bypass is another example of the Liberal and Nationals Government delivering for New South Wales, with $19.7 billion worth of infrastructure investment underway or planned between 2013-14 and 2021-22. This investment is transforming the way people commute in our regions and cities, linking industry to export markets, saving lives, helping people get home sooner and safer and supporting thousands of jobs throughout the State.”

NSW Minister for Roads, Maritime and Freight Melinda Pavey said the project is a great example of how investment by both the Federal and NSW Government creates real life benefits for communities like Coffs Harbour.

“This investment will deliver 14-kilometres of four lane, improve travel times on the Pacific Highway and improve freight efficiency by bypassing 12 sets of traffic lights,” Mrs Pavey said.

“This project would further improve efficiency and safety already felt on the work being delivered on the Pacific Highway.”

Federal Member for Cowper Luke Hartsuyker said the bypass had been a long-standing priority for members of the Coffs Harbour community.

“The bypass will improve safety for all road users, as well as enhancing accessibility and amenity for the Coffs Harbour community,” Mr Hartsuyker said.

Federal Member for Page Kevin Hogan said the Pacific Highway project, which is now almost duplicated from Sydney to Grafton, is a significant job creator in the region.

“The North Coast and Northern Rivers regions have seen significant jobs growth thanks to the Pacific Highway duplication, ensuring there are opportunities for locals to help build the highway we deserve and creating a significant boost to economies along the Pacific Highway,” Mr Hogan said.

State Member for Coffs Harbour Andrew Fraser said the bypass is currently in planning, with detailed design, environmental assessment and community consultation work ongoing or upcoming.

The Coffs Harbour bypass is being jointly funded by the Australian and NSW Governments on an 80:20 basis.

For more information on the Federal Budget’s infrastructure pipeline, visit https://infrastructure.gov.au/department/statements/2018_2019/index.aspx.

Shane Manning