Valleys link ’ not viable’

No community support, too costly

A REPORT by consultants has told Huon Valley Council that a potential sealed road linking the Huon and Derwent valleys would be unviable.

The Huon Valley and Derwent Valley councils received $ 143,000 from the Department of State Growth for a study on upgrading Jefferys Track, a steep, rutted and muddy four- wheeldrive route between Crabtree and Lachlan.

The funds were part of a 2018 Liberals election commitment. But the idea for the road faced formidable technical and financial hurdles.

It was revealed in August that making the road suitable for light vehicles would cost $ 98m, while a proposed “industry route” through Judbury would cost another $ 276m.

Huon Valley residents were alarmed after being told their properties lay in the path of the proposed road.

The report to be considered by the council on Wednesday says upgrading the track “is not viable for reasons including the substantial cost, a lack of support from both the community and industry, the potential environmental impacts, and likely low usage.”

The council has been advised not to support any upgrade beyond improving it to the standard of a fire trail.

Huon Valley mayor Bec Enders said the consultation process around the road upgrade had shown locals would “vote with their feet” if a government ever attempted to seal Jeffreys Track.

“For future elected members of the Huon Valley, they will now have the benefit of understanding that sealing Jefferys Track to create a major transport loop may possibly seal the fate for their re- election. Communities are and can be that powerful if they pull together,” Cr Enders said.

The council will seek approval for the remaining $ 10,000 from the grant to be offered to the Parks and Wildlife Service and Wellington Park Management Trust to upgrade the track as a fire trail.

A 2015 study found that a $ 48m upgrade to the existing Plenty Link Road between the valleys was not viable.