PACIFIC Complete, the delivery partner that will oversee the 155 kilometre Woolgoolga to Ballina section of the Pacific Highway upgrade, officially opened its project office in Grafton today.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development Warren Truss said the Grafton office opening comes just a month after contracts for the delivery partner were signed.
“The Australian Government has committed $5.64 billion to complete the Pacific Highway upgrade by the end of the decade, which will make a four-lane divided highway between Sydney and Brisbane a reality,” Mr Truss said.
“The Tailored Delivery Partner model, being used for the first time in Australia to deliver major transport infrastructure, is critical to the project’s completion.”
New South Wales Minister for Roads, Maritime and Freight, Duncan Gay said the opening of the Pacific Complete office in Grafton would provide a boost for both New South Wales and local residents.
“The opening of Pacific Complete offices will create additional jobs with the delivery partner expected to employ around 200 people across its offices,” Mr Gay said.
“The new Grafton project office is next door to the Roads and Maritime Service’s Pacific Highway Office to ensure effective collaboration and information sharing.”
Federal Member for Page Kevin Hogan said the completion of the Pacific Highway upgrade would improve road safety and provide economic benefits for the region.
“Construction commenced on the first 26 kilometres of the Woolgoolga to Ballina section between Arrawarra and Glenugie late last month,” Mr Hogan said.
“During construction the Woolgoolga to Ballina upgrade will see 2,500 people directly working on the project, with a further 7,500 people working on the project indirectly.”
NSW Parliamentary Secretary for the North Coast Chris Gulaptis said community members would still be able to visit the Roads and Maritime Pacific Highway Office for information about the upgrade.
“Community members can view project documents, speak to team members and view posters of the project to gain a better understanding of the work being carried out,” Mr Gulaptis said.
Pacific Complete Steering Committee Chairman Jim Slowman said another office had been established in Sydney to oversee the design phase of the project.
“Additional satellite site offices will also be established along the project route as required as part of the delivery partner’s overall program of work,” Mr Slowman said.
The Australian Government is providing 80 per cent of the cost of constructing the Woolgoolga to Ballina upgrade, with the New South Wales Government providing 20 per cent.
For more information on the Woolgoolga to Ballina Pacific Highway upgrade visit www.rms.nsw.gov.au
