Mersey MLC tells parliament it’s time for Leith overpass rethink

Mersey MLC Mike Gaffney has added his voice to the chorus of concern about plans to build a $15m overpass at Leith on Tasmania’s North West Coast.

THE state government has been told to find an alternative traffic solution for the Bass Highway at Leith by an MLC who says knocking down homes for an overpass is not justified by crash statistics.

Mersey MLC Mike Gaffney told parliament in a special interest speech on Tuesday morning residents of the North West village did not want the $15m “concrete monolith” and other means of slowing down traffic could be used on that stretch of the highway.

Burnie-based Senator Jacqui Lambie has also called for the proposal to be reconsidered saying a cut in the speed limit would address safety concerns without bulldozing homes and compromising others.

Signs at Leith as locals protest against plans for a highway flyover

Residents learned in March two houses would be compulsory acquired under the government’s overpass proposal while others would be overshadowed by the structure.

They say a speed reduction or a roundabout could solve the issue.

Mr Gaffney also joined residents in their criticism of the public consultation process quoting concerns already raised by Leo Beuermann who is fighting to save his home of more than 30 years.

Mr Beuermann said Leith residents were excluded from government consultations with stakeholders from 2018 and received no notification until March 2021, despite survey work being conducted in 2020.

Leith residents under a timber structure which shows how high the proposed overpass would be outside Tony Downey's property

“Mr President, I have previously raised questions regarding the crash statistics which have been quoted as partial justification for the need to build the overpass,” Mr Gaffney said.

“There have been 26 crashes at the Leith junctions in the last 20 years and no fatalities are attributable to these intersections. Indeed, the school bus no longer uses the route which originally caused the concern at that junction.

“The government claims an overpass with slip lanes was chosen due to a strong desire by the community, however the finally-released 2018 Outcomes Report reveals a mere 10.1 per cent support for an overpass with slip lanes compared with overwhelming support for a speed reduction or roundabout.”

Mr Gaffney said he understood the creation of large scale infrastructure often involved the acquisition of private property.

“But I cannot imagine what it must be like to contemplate the loss of one’s home,” he said.

Residents have also raised concerns about the planned overpass’ impact on the peaceful enjoyment of the properties near it and the potential negative effect on property values.

Right-to-die law passes key vote in Tasmanian parliament, Mike Gaffney MLC. Picture Chris Kidd

“Homes not taken for an overpass face significant loss of amenity, reduction of value so they become virtually unlikeable, due to their close proximity,” he said.

“This loss/damage includes, overshadowing, overlooking, emission pollution, noise pollution and dangerous exits to some homes. The taking of homes and land for an overpass makes these residents collateral damage.”

“I hope that bringing Hon Members attention to this matter might assist in generating support for the Residents of Leith, and their endeavours to have the Government revisit this most controversial proposal.”

Community consultation has closed for the proposed overpass a decision is expected this year.