Mayor Beattie said, “Without upgrading the Sideling to B-Double standard, and delivering the realignment we proposed, we’re locking in infrastructure that simply won’t meet the freight needs of our region into the future.”
The Sideling is a critical section of road linking Scottsdale to Launceston, serving as a major freight and tourism corridor for North East Tasmania. While the current upgrade scope will improve safety and access, the decision not to build to B-Double standard is a significant missed opportunity.
Dorset Council’s 2019 business case outlined the strong return on investment from a full B-Double standard upgrade, including:
- More than $3 million in annual freight savings.
- Increased efficiency and access for agriculture, logistics, emergency services and tourism.
- Enhanced national food security through better access to premium agricultural land.
- An opportunity to overcome longstanding regional infrastructure disadvantage.
- Diversion of large traffic away from the centre of Launceston and advocate with the City of Launceston for an eastern bypass.
“We have the natural resources, the industry readiness, and now the funding,” Mayor Beattie said.
“What’s missing is the full vision — building this road to the standard that will support North East Tasmania’s future freight needs.”
The call for a B-Double rated highway and shortening of the journey via Corkerys Road is strongly backed by the business community. In an unprecedented show of support, a large group of local business operators and the North East Tasmania Chamber of Commerce have publicly urged the State Government to deliver the project to B-Double standard.
Considering this, Dorset Council is now actively advocating to all State Government election candidates and party leaders, calling for a commitment to deliver the project at the standard originally proposed by Council’s business case.
Additionally, Council has requested that the Department of State Growth consider costing an additional option, being the full closure of the Tasman Highway between Springfield and St Patricks River during reconstruction, as proposed in Council’s original business case, to manage project costs and delivery timeframes.
“The single most important aspect of the construction methodology is whether the highway is closed during works,” Mayor Beattie said. “Closing the Sideling temporarily and diverting traffic via forestry roads or the Golconda / Lilydale route would cause disruption — but it could also save between $20 and $30 million and shorten delivery by up to two years.”
Mayor Beattie acknowledged that a temporary closure would create inconvenience for residents and commercial freight operators and said community goodwill will be essential.
Dorset Council remains committed to working with all levels of government and the community to ensure this once-in-a-generation investment delivers long-term value and infrastructure the region can rely on.
Contact:
Mayor Rhys Beattie
Dorset Council
councillorbeattie@dorset.tas.gov.au
0409 921 683
