Circular Head community still waiting for highway upgrade

A SURVEY has been launched to identify what parts of the Bass Highway between Detention River and Marrawah require the most urgent attention as the community calls for action.

A SURVEY has been launched to identify what parts of the Bass Highway between Detention River and Marrawah require the most urgent attention as the community calls for action.

Freight companies, motorists and bus companies have been complaining about the condition of the stretch for years and in 2016 bus operator Wells Wagons invited politicians and councillors to experience first hand the uneven, and unsafe, surface of the highway.

The company’s views were echoed by Mayor Daryl Quilliam, who said the road between Smithton and Marrawah was not equipped for modern-day usage.

Today, a community survey to identify priority areas for road works was launched in Smithton by Braddon MP Justine Keay.

“The Circular Head community is sick of waiting for some action to fix the Bass Highway,” Ms Keay said.

“The road between Smithton and Marrawah is in shocking condition combined with a lack of passing lanes and turning bays between Smithton and Detention making it unsafe.”

The highway is becoming busier and the freight and tourist task increases.

“It is vital the proper infrastructure is in place to support industry, visitors and the local community,” Ms Keay said.

““The highway is the Circular Head district’s social and economic lifeline and I am regularly contacted by the community frustrated at the delay in work commencing.”

Federal Labor has put $60 million on the table to start work in the first year of a Shorten Government and the Liberals also pledged $60 million for works on the Bass Highway during the by-election.

The Tasmanian Government has also put up $40 million but works have yet to begin.

“The first step in any major road works is community consultation to identify priority areas for work,” Ms Keay said.

“The community survey I am launching today is part of that process and feedback received will be passed onto the Tasmanian Government.

“Information received from the community will also support a previous submission made by Circular Head Council.”

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