Michael McCormack (Riverina, National Party, Leader of the Nationals) Share this | Hansard source

I thank the member for Cowper for his question and acknowledge his tireless advocacy for road safety in his electorate and more broadly. By delivering infrastructure, we are delivering safer, more efficient networks for our regions, whether that's roads or any connectivity. The member for Cowper knows it.

Final works as part of the $5.64 billion upgrade of the Pacific Highway will be completed next week—657 kilometres. This project has delivered more than 14,000 direct and indirect jobs. The member for Cowper knows it. He has been fighting tirelessly for road safety and for better connectivity. The completed upgrade will deliver a time saving of 2½ hours from Hexham to the Queensland border. Whether you're a truck driver, whether you're a tourist, whether you're just somebody who is driving on that road for the first time, that is a considerable saving for your time. This is an incredible achievement. The completed upgrade is going to be celebrated by all who use that road, and, importantly, the delivery of the Pacific Highway will save lives. Already, fatal crashes have more than halved.

Ms Swanson interjecting—

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