Beyond 2006
For the 10 years to June 2006 the NSW Government will have contributed $1.66 billion and the Federal Government will have contributed $660 million. For the next three years the Federal Government will match the State Government’s contribution of $160 million/year.
The RTA is planning for the long term by providing a high standard road, described as a motorway. A key feature involves being able to separate local traffic from through or long distance traffic. This means roads that provide a lower speed alternative are located alongside the motorway that is designed for a speed of 110 km/h. Local traffic can get onto the motorway at regular, grade separated interchanges.
Steps to upgrade the highway
Upgrading a major highway is a complex process involving many steps, as summarised below:
Project planning.
Identifying route options.
Selecting a preferred route.
Preparing a concept design.
Conducting an environmental assessment.
Gaining approval for the project.
Going to tender for construction.
Constructing the upgrade.
Project planning
A wide variety of factors have to be considered before routes can be identified and selected. Some questions the RTA must consider include:
What is the best available route for an upgrade?
What are the major constraints?
Can potential impacts be managed?
How will the community benefit?
What will represent the best value for money?
What will achieve the best overall outcome?
Identifying route options
The Pacific Highway means different things to different people. For businesses and the wider community, the highway is a major tourist and transport route. For highway communities, it can be their local road. Some people use the highway every day, others only occasionally.
In order to achieve the best outcome for the whole community, a range of environmental, transport, engineering, land use and social issues are thoroughly investigated to identify route options that address both the needs of the community and future transport requirements. However, often there is no perfect solution. The challenge is to find a solution that best meets highway transport objectives, while addressing impacts on the community and the environment.
Community involvement is an important part of the process. The community provides input during the development of route options and the process of refining the preferred option.
Concept design
Once a preferred route has been selected, the design of that route is further developed. This involves conducting more detailed site investigations to ensure any site constraints are taken into consideration.
Environmental assessment and approval
The RTA is required under the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act to undertake an environmental assessment of all projects to upgrade the Pacific Highway.
The Act has been amended (August 2005) and the new steps involved in the environmental assessment process for major infrastructure projects are summarised below:
The RTA lodges an application for project approval with the Department of Planning and advertises
the lodgement of this application.
The Director-General of the Department of Planning provides a list of requirements for the environmental assessment studies, and the RTA prepares an assessment.
The RTA submits a report to the Department of Planning who place the documents on public exhibition for 30 days. Submissions are invited.
The Director-General asks the RTA to respond to the issues raised by the community and/or provide a preferred project report.
The Department of Planning provides an assessment report for consideration by the Minister for Planning. The report is placed on the Department of Planning’s website.
After considering the assessment report, the Minister for Planning decides whether to grant approval to the project.
Construction projects
Major projects under construction or with a construction contract awarded include Karuah to Bulahdelah Sections 2 and 3, Coopernook to Herons Creek, Bonville and Ballina.
Opportunities for community input
There are many opportunities for community input during the planning and development phases of the upgrade projects. Community discussions have been held through a variety of meetings: groups and landowner discussions for various upgrade projects. Displays are held at key stages to seek community input on:
For further information
For more information on the Pacific Highway Upgrading Program or on how you can get involved please call the Pacific Highway Information Line on 1800 653 092 (freecall).
Back to top