Bypass Finally: Almost two years after this public gathering, the Coffs Harbour bypass has been given the go-ahead. Picture Claudia Jambor
Wow what a week of big news stories for the Coffs Coast last week with 3 major announcements (some we already knew about) and some we have all been waiting for a very long time.
News that funding has finally being budgeted for by the Federal government for the Coffs Harbour Pacific Highway Bypass was hopefully the final piece in the jigsaw with work set to start in 2020 once the environmental impact studies are completed and should be open to traffic three years later.
Of course the advantages are obvious, The Coffs bypass will alleviate and reduce travel times and will also reportedly create hundreds of jobs during construction on the North Coast. And like or not but the bypass is also expected to create further property price rises in the Coffs Harbour region.
The project is expected to have a flow on effect to the outer suburbs and towns of Coffs Harbour which should also enjoy strong growth in coming years due to the closer proximity to Coffs Harbour and affordable prices, not to mention the lifestyle.
It was also reported that a new four-level building will be built in front of the existing entrance of the Coffs Harbour Hospital and emergency department as part of the State Government’s multi-million dollar redevelopment plans. The new-look hospital will include a helipad on the roof and a host of new facilities and wards, new operating theatres, a short stay surgical unit, orthopaedic and vascular unit, ambulatory care area and the expansion of community health all vital parts of complete health care facility.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian visited Coffs Harbour and toured the hospital with Member for Coffs Harbour Andrew Fraser to announce the concept plan for the upgrade, which the government has already committed $156 million in funding towards The major upgrade will improve patient care, accessibility and the quality of services.
Development of Coffs Harbour’s $100-million senior residential care facility known as “The Shoreline Park Beach” is set to start with the earth cleared and the construction site now fenced up.
The Bachrach Naumburger Group – owners of Park Beach Plaza and Park Beach HomeBase – have appointed local contractor Alan Johnson, AJ Civil Projects to manage the early civil construction works across the large parcel of land on the corner of Arthur and York Sts. Initially, the early construction works are estimated to cost $7 million.
The Bachrach Naumburger Group said the project will offer employment opportunities for local consultants, contractors and their staff. The project will create more than 180 jobs, which will be mostly locally sourced and will take approximately six years to complete so good long term jobs for locals.
What all these projects mean for the Coffs Harbour region and is more work for local business, more jobs and then hopefully further government infrastructure projects to cater for the growing population. The Coffs Harbour Chamber of Commerce actively supports and promotes these types of projects for this very reason and no matter how large or small your business is the flow on effect could benefit your business.
To become a member or discover what the Chamber is about check out our website Follow us on Facebook Email us: info@coffschamber.com.au or call the Chamber office on 6651 4101.