Martin Wells, President of the Coffs Harbour Chamber of Commerce, said ” the members’ primary goal in its years of lobbying for the $1- 1.5 billion project was to have it built as soon as possible. Throughout the entire process the chamber’s focus and goal has been the removal of all transiting heavy vehicles and light vehicle traffic from the CBD and city to enable renewed activity, activation and opportunity.”.
” We made it quite clear we would openly support whichever design resulted in that objective being met” Mr Wells said.
He further stated ” There were complex pros and cons for each option, however our position remained to just get on and build it. I thank the Minister for Roads Melinda Pavey for taking the time to meet with me several weeks ago to discuss our concerns and consider the primary goals of the Chamber.”
“Further, we are delighted with the announcement by the Deputy Premier John Barilaro, Minister for Roads Melinda Pavey and Member for Coffs Harbour Andrew Fraser that the project will firstly commence as per schedule, and that the consultative committee will primarily consider the options of tunnels, and enhanced noise minimisation improvements”.
Martin Wells said” We look forward to continuing to work closely with all levels of government for the benefit of the Coffs Coast businesses and community”.