Keeping it local is the focus of the $2.2 billion Coffs Harbour bypass project with joint venture partners Ferrovial Gamuda making every effort to employ local contractors and workers.
Member for Coffs Harbour Gurmesh Singh said the “local first” approach would inject millions of dollars into the region and ensure the majority of jobs created as part of this project remained within the community.
“More than half the leadership team for the major works contractor are locally based,” Mr Singh said.
“The Ferrovial Gamuda Joint Venture has appointed several experienced constructors who live in the Coffs Harbour, Mid North Coast and Northern Rivers regions.
“The joint venture partners have found plenty of experienced road and tunnel builders who live locally and want to be part of this legacy building project. Their connection with the area will also help to ensure local subcontractors and suppliers are used wherever possible.”
Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Sam Farraway said Ferrovial Gamuda Joint Venture had appointed a number of locals to be on the leadership team which would be invaluable in the planning and delivery of the new bypass.
“Knowing local travel patterns, the major events and weather systems will help manage interactions with the community and improve safety during construction,” Mr Farraway said.
“This region is filled with talented and knowledgeable people who would make all the difference when delivering this project.
“Having so many locals involved in the project also means the local economy will benefit from the construction spending, but housing availability will not be impacted as heavily as it might have been.”
To date Ferrovial Gamuda Joint Venture has appointed permanent Mid North Coast and Northern Rivers locals to the construction manager, safety manager, people manager, environment manager, quality manager, survey manager, general superintendent and office manager roles.
More information is available at: www.pacifichighway.nsw.gov.au/coffsharbourbypass
