Between 2009 and 2011, Infrastructure Australia recommended that the Pacific Highway Corridor Upgrades initiative from Hexham (NSW) to the Queensland border be rated as ‘Ready to Proceed’ on the Infrastructure Priority List. The 2008‐09 submission sought funding for 288km of highway that would complete the duplication of the Pacific Highway between Sydney and Brisbane to at least a four‐lane dual carriageway standard. The project responds to high fatality rates, delays and congestion along the Pacific Highway.