28 Sept 2007 - Council Welcomes Reports of $1 billion Highway Funding

News that the Pacific Highway is to receive a $1 billion funding injection has been received with delight by Coffs Harbour City Council.

The reports indicate the $1 billion funding to bring forward the completion of the Pacific Highway upgrade is part of a massive roads package to be unveiled by the Federal Government next week.

"This is very good news indeed," said Coffs Harbour Mayor, and Executive Member of the Pacific Highway Taskforce, Councillor Keith Rhoades.

"Council, as well as the community I'm sure, warmly welcomes the proposed funding, which will hopefully keep the project on track for completion of the dual carriageway by 2016.

"All levels of government have to continue to work together in order to reduce the carnage on the Pacific Highway in the shortest time possible, and the reported extra funding comes none too soon.

"There is some fantastic work being carried out on the Pacific Highway south of Coffs Harbour at the moment, and it would be wonderful if we could see the necessary work starting on other parts of the Highway soon.

"I appreciate the efforts put in by our Federal Member, Luke Hartsuyker, who continues to assist councils on the North Coast in securing the funding to allow the continuation of these upgrades," he said.