Local businesses keen to get involved with the Coffs Harbour bypass project are encouraged to come forward with how they can contribute to the largest infrastructure project in the city’s history.

Federal Member for Cowper Pat Conaghan said after the official start of the early works in December 2020, the project has hit 2021 at full speed and locals were now being encouraged to see how they can play a part in this legacy project.

“This is a project that will transform journeys for the more than 12,000 vehicles a day that drive through Coffs by passing 12 sets of traffic lights and saving around 11 minutes in travel time,” Mr Conaghan said.

“We’ve worked closely with locals to deliver on our promise to build this bypass, which will see tunnels constructed at Roberts Hill, Shephards Lane and Gatelys Road.

“On top of delivering safer, quicker journeys for locals, tourists and freight operators who use this route daily, the project is also going to support around 2,000 local jobs during construction and around 12,000 jobs over the whole life-cycle of the project.

“Already we’re seeing clearing work underway to begin building the new Solitary Rural Fire Service shed, as well as undertaking utilities relocations, preparing for at-house noise treatments and demolition of some buildings acquired along the alignment. Now we want to give local businesses the opportunity to tell us more about the products and services they can provide as we move towards the major construction phase.”

Member for Coffs Harbour Gurmesh Singh said Transport for NSW had completed a Local Industry Participation Plan, which seeks to promote local businesses and create more local jobs.

“I know how important local jobs are to the local community, so with more than $50 million in early works to take place the opportunities are very exciting,” Mr Singh said.

“As we continue to carry out vital early works to ensure the project is well placed when major construction begins, we’ll engage with local businesses to see how they can get involved in this historic project.

“Supporting local businesses will bring with it local economic benefits, as seen up and down the coast from the recently completed Pacific Highway upgrade.

“We are committed to procuring and managing the project to create local jobs for the community.

“If you’re not sure if your business is needed on this project, jump online and provide your information – you’ll never know until you have a go.”

Local businesses can express their interest at pacifichighway.nsw.gov.au/coffsharbourbypass.

The community can also find out more by visiting the Coffs Harbour bypass project display office, which will re-open on Wednesday, 3 March at 54 Moonee Street. The office will continue to open as normal on Wednesdays between 10am and 4pm and service to the community will be unaffected.

Submitting your interest does not guarantee your business of any work as part of the construction of the Coffs Harbour bypass project.

For further information, phone 1800 550 621 or email coffsharbourbypass@transport.nsw.gov.au