It took big scissors, to cut a big ribbon, for the beginning of a massive project. The official opening of the Pacific Complete office in Grafton last week was attended by: Federal member for Page Kevin Hogan, State Member for Clarence Chris Gulaptis, Clarence Valley Council mayor Richie Williamson, Pacific Complete Project Director Chris Wilkinson, Roads and Maritime Chief Executive Peter Duncan, Pacific Complete Jim Sloman (Chairman PC Steering Committee) and Pacific Complete David Stuart-Watt (Member PC Steering Committee).
Pacific Complete, the delivery partner that will oversee the 155 kilometre Woolgoolga to Ballina section of the Pacific Highway upgrade, officially opened its project office in Grafton on Thursday.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development Warren Truss said the Grafton office opening comes just a month after contracts for the delivery partner were signed.
“The Australian Government has committed $5.64 billion to complete the Pacific Highway upgrade by the end of the decade, which will make a four-lane divided highway between Sydney and Brisbane a reality,” Mr Truss said.
“The Tailored Delivery Partner model, being used for the first time in Australia to deliver major transport infrastructure, is critical to the project’s completion.”
Federal Member for Page Kevin Hogan said that construction had commenced on the first 26 kilometres of the Woolgoolga to Ballina section between Arrawarra and Glenugie late last month.
“During construction the Woolgoolga to Ballina upgrade will see 2,500 people directly working on the project, with a further 7,500 people working on the project indirectly,” he said.
The Australian Government is providing 80 per cent of the cost of constructing the Woolgoolga to Ballina upgrade, with the New South Wales Government providing 20 per cent.
For more information on the Woolgoolga to Ballina Pacific Highway upgrade visit www.rms.nsw.gov.au
