Federal Member for Page Kevin Hogan has announced nine local quarries have been awarded contracts to supply road building material for the Woolgoolga to Ballina section of the Pacific Highway Upgrade. “This means more jobs for our community,” Mr Hogan said. “The nine north coast quarries awarded contracts on this section are a combination of large and small operators, which means support for a range of jobs across the region and more dollars into the cash registers of local businesses. “More than 1,700 people are already working on the Woolgoolga to Ballina project, and up to 4000 workers are expected to be employed across the Pacific Highway when works ramp up later this year.” The awarding of these contracts is the final major supply agreement on the upgrade. The upgrade would result in safer, more efficient roads for drivers, as well as continued support for local jobs, businesses and families, according to Mr Hogan. State Member for Clarence Chris Gulaptis said the Woolgoolga to Ballina upgrade was supporting local employment opportunities wherever possible and sourcing materials from companies near the project. “Having quarry materials close to the route of the upgrade, and minimising haulage requirements, was an important consideration and will deliver both cost and safety benefits,” Mr Gulaptis said. “The safety of the community and workers during the upgrade is of the highest importance, and where possible, material will be moved within the project boundary to reduce the number of construction vehicles on local roads.” The Woolgoolga to Ballina section of the Pacific Highway Upgrade is jointly funded by the Australian and New South Wales governments on an 80:20 basis.