Clarence MP, Chris Gulaptis has welcomed the 12 new jobs that will come to Grafton to specifically focus on delivering the state’s biggest ever roads infrastructure program. “Over the next five years the NSW Government will be investing $16 billion in road upgrades alone and going out to tender with around 85 projects – a program of work we call our ‘infrastructure wave’,” Mr Gulaptis said. Key projects to be delivered include Newell Highway upgrades, Bridges for the Bush Program and Princes Highway upgrades. This is in addition to the Pacific Highway upgrade. Mr Gulaptis said Grafton had been chosen as a base for one of the five program offices – the Freight and Regional Program Office. “While the main office will be based in Dubbo, eight positions will be created in Grafton to provide support on signature projects including the Bridges for the Bush program. “A further four positions will also be created in the Pacific Highway Program Office. “These additional jobs are needed to ensure these large infrastructure projects are delivered on time, within budget and with effective use of resources. “This is a further boost to job opportunities in the region, which is already benefitting from the influx of workers needed to complete the Pacific Highway upgrade.” Mr Gulaptis said each program office will be based on a ‘program office delivery model’ which has been successfully used to deliver upgrades to the Pacific and Hume highways over the last 20 years.