Federal Member for Page, Janelle Saffin, said she is excited to have the Federal Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, Anthony Albanese here on Tuesday for the official opening of the Ballina Bypass.
“This is a major Pacific Highway project that Minister Albanese and I have been working on together since before the 2007 election, and I really wanted him to be here for this historic opening.
“In 2007 Mr Albanese supported my election commitment that the Federal Government would invest the majority of funds for the Ballina Bypass project, and the Government has delivered.
“In May 2008 Minister Albanese joined me in Ballina to mark the start of works and I’m delighted to have negotiated with him to be here next week for the official opening.
“The Australian Government has invested $450 million in the $640 million Ballina Bypass project, with the NSW Government investing the other $190 million.
“This major infrastructure investment has been an important boost to the local economy, particularly in during the Global Financial Crisis of recent years
“I have been closely following the progress of the Bypass and it is great to have it opening ahead of schedule and before the Christmas holiday season.
“The Bypass will reduce congestion and improve road safety in Ballina, and also make the Pacific Highway safer and cut travel times.
“The opening will mark the beginning of a new era for Ballina and already there are discussions in the local business community about the new opportunities for festivals and other major events.
“This was a key election commitment of mine because it was a project that the local community had lobbied strongly for, and I commend Cr Alan Brown and the Ballina Bypass Action group and look forward to taking part in the community celebrations on Sunday ahead of the official opening,” Ms Saffin said.
“I understand Santa will be there on Sunday, but perhaps it is Minister Albanese who will be playing Santa Claus next Tuesday, when together we open the major section of the Bypass, delivering this early Christmas present to the people of Ballina and all users of the Pacific Highway.”