Have your say - Jefferys Track Development Feasibility Study

How can I get involved? On behalf of the Huon and Derwent Valley Councils, Deloitte Access Economics has been engaged to undertake stakeholder consultation and a cost benefit analysis of options for upgrading Jefferys Track. We would like to hear your views. An online survey including written submissions has been launched. We would strongly value hearing your views via the online survey which is available now and open until 16 September 2020. You can access the survey in a number of ways: • Click directly on this link Jefferys Track survey and written submissions • Or, type into your browser https://deloitteau.au1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_6uqXJXJXXAHPFHf • Or, find a link to the survey on the Council website www.huonvalley.tas.gov.au/jefferys-track • Or, find a link to the survey on the website www.derwentvalley.tas.gov.au/our- community/engagement/ Public meetings will be held and are open to all interested residents. If you wish to participate please let us know which session by leaving a message with Deloitte Access Economics on (03) 9667 5040 or [email protected]. Numbers will be limited in order to comply with COVID-19 venue restrictions, and for contact tracing reasons it is important to know who is coming. If demand exceeds venue capacity we will hold additional meetings. • Derwent Valley public meetings • 2-4pm, Wednesday 9 September 2020 at the RSL • 6-8pm, Wednesday 9 September 2020 at the New Norfolk RSL • Huon Valley public meetings • 2-4pm, Thursday 3 September 2020 at the Town Hall • 6-8pm, Thursday 3 September 2020 at the Huonville Town Hall

Why is an upgrade to Jefferys Track being considered? Huon Valley Council, in collaboration with Derwent Valley Council and the Department of State Growth, is undertaking a study into the feasibility of upgrading Jefferys Track, which runs from Crabtree in the Huon Valley area to Lachlan in the Derwent Valley.

A direct transport link between the Huon and Derwent Valleys is a goal of both Councils. There is significant potential for business, leisure and social benefits from such a connection. In addition, the current state of Jefferys Track is problematic as it is impassable in places. However, it is an essential part of this process to understand the wider community impact and any concerns the community may have.

What sort of road is being looked at? Options for a dirt road that is properly maintained to the standard of ‘all weather access track / fire trail’, and a sealed road suitable for tourists/commuters, on or close to the existing Jefferys Track are being considered. Engineers have determined that upgrading the current route for heavy vehicles is not viable, largely due to the sustained steep gradient. Therefore a potential route for an industry road starting in Judbury and linking to Jefferys Track via White Timber Trail has been identified.

No decisions have been made – industry and community needs and alternative routes will all be canvassed as part of the consultation process.

This is an overview only. More information will be provided at public meetings and will progressively be added to the Huon and Derwent Valley websites as listed above.