NOW SHOWING – COFFS HARBOUR BYPASS PREFERRED CONCEPT DESIGN

THE preferred concept design for the Coffs Harbour Bypass project is now on display and community members are encouraged to provide feedback.

Deputy Prime Minister, Nationals’ Leader and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said the updated design for the $1.2 billion project increased the benefits for Coffs Harbour residents and road users.

“This is a vital piece of the puzzle in finally delivering the Pacific Highway the North Coast deserves,” Mr McCormack said.

“The bypass will reduce travel times, remove hundreds of heavy vehicles from the centre of town and make Coffs Harbour much safer for drivers and the community.

“This project will also help transform the visual amenity and accessibility of the Coffs Harbour CBD and surrounding areas by reducing the number of vehicles using the existing Pacific Highway.”

NSW Minister for Roads, Maritime and Freight Melinda Pavey said the concept design brought construction one step closer.

“With funding now secured, the preferred concept design is an important step in preparing the project for construction,” Mrs Pavey said.

“We want to hear the community’s views on the changes and I encourage people to contact Roads and Maritime if they have any suggestions.”

The Nationals’ Member for Cowper Luke Hartsuyker said the design offered a range benefits for all users of the highway.

“I fought for years to make this bypass a reality and I’m pleased it is now fully funded, with construction now certain, and starting soon.

“At almost $100 million per kilometre, this is the most expensive stretch in the entire multi-billion dollar upgrade of the Pacific Highway.”

Page Nationals’ MP Kevin Hogan said the project was a great example of Governments working together.

“The $1.2 billion project is being jointly funded by the Australian and NSW governments, with the Australian Government committing $971 million and the NSW Government committing the remainder,” Mr Hogan said.

“Construction of the bypass is expected to start in 2020 and be completed in 2024, subject to relevant planning and environmental approvals and weather.”

NSW Member for Coffs Harbour Andrew Fraser said the display would be open from 24 September to 26 October.

“Community members can see the display at events on 27 September, 13 October and 18 October at the Coffs Harbour Golf Course,” Mr Fraser said.

“An environmental impact statement is also currently being prepared and is targeted for public display in December 2018.”

The community can view the updated design on the project website: www.rms.nsw.gov.au/coffsharbourbypass.

Shane Manning