Around 40 people representing a variety of businesses from around the Clarence Valley attended the first CBEAS [Clarence Business Enterprise Advisory Service] dinner meeting for 2017, at the Lawrence Golf Club, on Tuesday, March 14. Guest speaker Bob Higgins from the RMS [Roads and Maritime Service] gave an overview of the progress of the highway upgrade to date and spoke about the areas of work taking place behind the scenes, which are not visible from the existing highway. He highlighted the number of bridges [approximately 100] on the route, between Woolgoolga and Ballina. He said that with the current progress on the highway, there will be much less usage of the existing highway by trucks and service vehicles during construction, due to their network of service roads being complete. Pacific Complete project director Chris Wilkinson briefed those attending, on how pleased they were with the progress to date. The meeting was also attended by Federal Member for Page Kevin Hogan and State Member for Clarence Chris Gulaptis who both spoke briefly. Mr Hogan spoke about where the government is going with the implementation of funding for programs such as the ‘Head Space’ program and promoting the northern rivers in his role as the elected representative. Mr Gulaptis conveyed to the meeting, what’s happening with the major programs of the highway, bridge and correctional centre and the benefits they will bring to the area. CBEAS wish to thank the voluntary staff at the Lawrence Golf Club for the fantastic meal which they provided, for those attending.