• Contracts have been awarded to begin works on more than 100 bridges between Woolgoolga and Ballina • Work will deliver jobs boom for Mid North Coast and Northern Rivers regions • Around 1,700 workers already employed on upgrade, with more jobs to come as work ramps up Federal Member for Page Kevin Hogan said the Coffs Coast and Northern Rivers are set for a jobs boom, with large contracts awarded last Friday to build components for more than 100 bridges to be built along the Woolgoolga to Ballina section of the Pacific Highway upgrade. “A significant proportion of contracts for works on the Pacific Highway are being awarded to North Coast businesses, providing sub-contracting and supply opportunities for locals and flow through benefits to the local accommodation and hospitality industry,” he said. “This will be a regional jobs boon, with up to 4,000 workers expected to be directly employed across the Pacific Highway when works ramp up even further this year.” “This is great news for our local economy as well. “We will see more than 100 bridges built between Woolgoolga and Ballina, including major bridges crossing the Clarence and Richmond Rivers.” Mr Hogan said manufacturing of the bridge components would start almost immediately, ensuring ongoing employment for workers at existing facilities on the North Coast. Contracts have been secured by: • Lendlease Engineering Pty Ltd – to supply more than 2,700 headstocks, planks and abutments to the project • CPB Contractors Pty Ltd – to provide about 800 Super T girders • Boral Resources Pty Ltd – to provide about 60,000 cubic metres of concrete to the project The Australian and New South Wales governments are jointly funding the Woolgoolga to Ballina upgrade on an 80:20 basis. For more information on the project and tender awards please visit www.rms.nsw.gov.au/W2B