The town heard on Monday that it will get exit ramps linking the upgraded Pacific Highway to North Macksville and the community is cheering.

Chairman of the town’s Chamber of Commerce, Matt Baker, said it was a big win for the town.

“This gives Macksville the opportunity to grow – not only are we one of the closest towns to the highway but soon we will also be only half an hour from Coffs Harbour,” Matt said.

“It is a huge relief – the original plan had the closest highway exit to the south at Bald Hill and the northern one up at Boggy Creek.”

He said that together with the planned CBD beautification, which includes a new jetty and more alfresco dining opportunities in River St, the new access would enhance the town’s tourism profile.

The request for an interchange for the town had been an ongoing battle ever since the Pacific Highway route was announced.

Back then, the late councillor, Michael (Cactus) Moran, said an interchange at North Macksville was needed in the interest of safety for emergency services as well as access for those in the headwaters of the district and for the survival of the town.

Following his death in May 2012, the Chamber took up the challenge and with the help of Nambucca Shire mayor, Rhonda Hoban, began lobbying for on and off ramps rather than a full interchange.

The Federal Member for Cowper, Luke Hartsuyker, and the Member for Oxley, Melinda Pavey, also came on board.

Onsite for the official announcement on Monday, Cr Hoban said it had been a protracted battle but the result would benefit the entire community.

“The community came together to secure this result and now we’ve finally got the approval,” Cr Hoban said.

Mr Hartsuyker said the opening of the Macskville Bypass would be a significant event that would remove a notorious highway bottleneck.