Reports take Coffs Harbour Bypass closer to construction

The Coffs Harbour Bypass would see a 14-kilometre road constructed around the Coffs Harbour CBD. The road would bypass 12 traffic lights and remove 12,000 vehicles from the city.

Public release of the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) Submissions and Amendments reports has taken the project a step closer to planning approval.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said we’re looking forward to getting this project under way and delivering for the people of Coffs Harbour.

“These reports are another indication of the level of community involvement in the 14-kilometre, four-lane project, which has already seen the original concept design modified to include tunnels at Roberts Hill, Shephards Lane and Gatelys Road,” Mr. McCormack said.

NSW Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Paul Toole said the release of the reports was the last step before formal approval of the project, which will boost the local economy, create jobs, increase local skills and improve regional connectivity.

“We’re at the final gate now with the reports up for formal approval, which means we’re on track to see shovels in the ground by the end of the year,” Mr. Toole said.

“It will support about 12,000 jobs over the whole life-cycle of the project, providing about 2000 indirect and direct local jobs for the community of Coffs Harbour during construction which shows how serious we are about investment in regional NSW.”

Federal Member for Cowper Pat Conaghan said the submissions received in response to the EIS for the project covered a range of issues including noise and vibration, biodiversity, traffic and transport.

“The community is now invited to view the Submissions Report to learn how Transport for NSW has responded to the topics raised,” Mr. Conaghan said.

“In addition to the EIS, further design changes to the bypass went on display in November 2019, including improvements to the Englands Road and Korora Hill interchanges.”

NSW Member for Coffs Harbour Gurmesh Singh said the local community had also responded to these changes, with 31 submissions made directly to the Coffs Harbour bypass project team.

“The Amendment Report outlines and assesses design changes made as a result of feedback received from the community and stakeholders,” Mr. Singh said.

The Department of Planning, Industry and Environment will consider the Submissions and Amendment reports during its assessment of the project. The Minister for Planning and Public Spaces will then decide if the project is approved. Transport for NSW expects to get this advice later in the year.

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