Joint media release

Work officially starts on the Coffs Harbour bypass, the town’s biggest ever infrastructure project, which will deliver thousands of jobs and inject millions of dollars into the local economy.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said shovels were now hitting the ground to mark the start of the landmark project.

“It was only last week that we received planning approval to give this major infrastructure project the official green light and now, because we are committed to delivering this bypass as soon as possible, early work has begun,” the Deputy Prime Minister said.

“This bypass will completely change the journey of more than 12,000 vehicles a day – it will get them out of the centre of Coffs Harbour, bypass 12 sets of lights and save around 11 minutes in travel time.”

NSW Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW John Barilaro said this was a legacy project that will serve the local community for generations to come.

“The NSW Government is determined to ensure regional communities recover after the tragic bushfires and the Covid pandemic, by creating legacy projects that will last for generations as well as valuable jobs now and into the future,” Mr Barilaro said.

“I’m proud that work is now under way because I know what this project means to locals, taking traffic off the main street, and allowing motorists to enjoy quicker trips up and down the North Coast.”

NSW Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Paul Toole said the Coffs Harbour bypass will link to the now fully upgraded Pacific Highway, further transforming journeys along the key route.

“The bypass will see tunnels constructed at Roberts Hill, Shephards Lane and Gatelys Road, delivering safer, quicker journeys for the thousands of locals, tourists and freight operators who use this route daily,” Mr Toole said.

“We’ve worked closely with locals to deliver on our promise to build this bypass, which will support about 12,000 jobs over the whole life-cycle of the project, including around 2,000 local jobs for the community of Coffs Harbour during construction.”

Federal Member for Cowper Pat Conaghan said both the Australian and NSW Governments were delivering record support for job-creating, economy-boosting infrastructure.

“Whether it be through investing $1.46 billion in the bypass or $1.38 million to Coffs Council through the Local Road and Community Infrastructure Program, we are supporting the Coffs Coast community,” Mr Conaghan said.

“It’s great to see work officially starting  on the bypass – the number one project the community has desired for decades.”

State Member for Coffs Harbour Gurmesh Singh said the start of work was exciting news for the community and local businesses after campaigning on their behalf.

“I have listened to the community and advocated hard to get them the tunnels they asked for, so to start work in 2020 as we have always promised is a huge win for the region,” Mr Singh said.

The first work includes building a new Rural Fire Service station to make way for the bypass near the Korora Hill interchange.

“As part of our commitment to supporting local contractors, North Coast company Dingo Demolitions will remove the property currently standing while another local contractor, CBuild, will then build the new RFS facility on the site.

“Early work will continue with the demolition of acquired buildings, adjustments to utilities such as power, water, sewer, and telecommunications, as well as the at-residence noise treatments.”

RFS Superintendent Sean McArdle praised Transport for NSW for its inclusive approach in developing the plan for the new shed.

“Our volunteers appreciated being able to organise site visits and ensure the plans for the new station meet their needs,” Mr McArdle said.

“The agreed location will give the brigade better access to the new highway and provide better parking for the members when attending the station.”

The Coffs Harbour bypass is jointly funded, with the Australian Government committing $1.46 billion towards the $1.8 billion project and the NSW Government committing $365.4 million. It will deliver major benefits to local businesses, contractors and suppliers for years to come.

The project’s Conditions of Approval document can be viewed at the Pacific Highway Upgrade website, with copies also available at the Coffs Harbour Bypass community display office (11A Park Avenue I Coffs Harbour), local libraries and the Coffs Harbour Council Chambers.

Media Contacts:

Mr McCormack – Jo Williamson 0418 475 668 | Dean Shachar 0418 202 860

Mr Barilaro – Georgina Kentwell 0427 206 308

Mr Toole – Ella Smith 0428 745 348

Mr Conaghan – Liz Spry 0418 928 744

Mr Singh – Electoral Office (02) 6652 6500