COFFS Harbour homeowners residing near the new Coffs Harbour Bypass route have been assured of the undertaking of noise treatment works at their homes, prior to the project’s construction.

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The at-house noise treatment works are due to commence once the long-awaited project receives the official planning green light.

Member for Coffs Harbour Gurmesh Singh said the noise treatment works would be undertaken at around 600 homes.

“If the work is to be done for the homes, we want it done upfront,” Mr Singh stressed.

“This is about working closely with the community to minimise noise impacts from the bypass.

“Installation of at home noise treatments for about 600 local properties is due to start before the end of this year, and once project approval is received, the individual houses will be reviewed to determine what work will be done on a case by case basis.”

Other early work planned includes construction of a new Rural Fire Service building, utilities relocation, fencing and demolition.

Transport for NSW has been undertaking geotechnical surveys and field surveys for the relocation of utilities while the project continues to go through the necessary NSW Government planning process.

Federal Member for Cowper Pat Conaghan said the bypass would be the biggest infrastructure project in Coffs Harbour’s history.

“I know locals are keen to see shovels in the ground for this 14-kilometre bypass as it will deliver great benefits for our region and remove about 12,000 vehicles a day from the Coffs CBD,” Mr Conaghan said.

As part of the project, the noise assessment in the Environmental Impact Statement and Amendment Report has identified homes that are eligible for at home noise treatment.

The Department of Planning, Industry and Environment is considering the Submissions and Amendment reports during its assessment of the project, before the NSW Minister for Planning and Public Spaces and Federal Minister for the Environment decide whether the project is approved.

For further information about the bypass project visit www.pacifichighway.nsw.gov.au/coffsharbourbypass.

By Emma DARBIN