State Labor Candidate Wouldn't Commit to Tunnels

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Mixed reactions from the community meeting in Coffs Harbour overnight for the Coffs Harbour Pacific Highway Bypass.

Around 300 people attended the event which included addresses from Rod McKelvey and Andrew Fraser, along with Federal and State candidates for Labor, and Sally Townley, Councillor, and Federal Greens candidate for the upcoming Federal election.

At the start of the meeting, the main push seemed to be for three tunnels rather than 'trenches' or land bridges.

However, by the end of the meeting, many were discussing the want for a western bypass.

Andrew Fraser confirmed that the EIS will not be released during the Christmas School holidays, and that their will be a permanent display of the design on display until the EIS is released allowing the community to view.

State Labor candidate Tony Judge started his address by denying claims that the event was becoming political, before finishing by talking about the upcoming election.

While speaking with Triple M, Mr Judge would not commit Labor to building three tunnels when asked, but said that Labor would look at the documentation and bring back the best outcome.

One concern raised was from the Aboriginal Land Council CEO regarding Aboriginal Culture. One Triple M listener called with similar concerns:

Councillor John Arkan at one point suggested that they alter the guidelines of the Labor party petition after many had signed it.

When Rod McKelvey explained that the hopes of a western bypass were not realistic, many in the crowd seemed confused as to why they were there.

Triple M listener Dave said while the meeting had a good turnout, the direction went off track.

Triple M caught up with Federal Member for Cowper Luke Hartsuyker following the meeting where he confirmed that the argument of a western bypass was long gone.

Bob also called into Triple M, he wanted to know why people are whinging still.

11 October 2018




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