Ballina Electorate Media Releases
Alstonville Bypass Finally A Reality (20/02/2009)
Member for Ballina, Don Page welcomed the announcement of the successful tender for the Alstonville Bypass.
“I have campaigned long and hard along with the community for the Alstonville bypass to be built. It’s been a long time, and most would agree, too long in coming,” Mr Page said.
Construction of the Alstonville bypass will commence in April this year and is due for completion at the end of 2010.
“The State Labor Government (then Premier Carr) promised to build the bypass back in March 2003 during the election campaign. They then reneged on that promise and the project has now had to be funded by the Federal Government.
“I congratulate the enduring efforts of the Alstonville Bypass Action Group for their persistent efforts, which has helped bring this project to fruition.
“Local State and Federal MPs have lobbied for this project for many years and it is good to see that it will now be built,” Mr Page said.
The 6.6km bypass will run south of Alstonville from Perrys Hill in the east through to Sneaths Road at Wollongbar where it will rejoin the existing Bruxner Highway.
“I have no doubt that the Alstonville community will flourish when the bypass is completed. Alstonville is a picturesque, historic and welcoming village. Now everyone will be able to enjoy these aspects of Alstonville without having to contend with the highway running through the main street.
“There are over 2000 school students, some of whom require pedestrian access across the Bruxner Highway. They, together with other pedestrians and most local businesses will welcome the diversion of through traffic away from the main street of Alstonville,” Mr Page said.
