The Tasmanian Government has funded a feasibility study for the upgrade of Jefferys Track, which runs from Crabtree in the Huon Valley area to Lachlan in the Derwent Valley. The feasibility study will be led by the Huon Valley Council in collaboration with the Derwent Valley Council.

A transport link between the Huon and Derwent Valleys has potential to bring significant business, leisure and social benefits for our communities. In addition, the current state of Jefferys Track is problematic as it is impassable in places. A decision needs to be made on whether to maintain or upgrade the route, and whether it is a viable option to link the Valleys.

Deloitte Access Economics has been engaged to undertake consultation with key stakeholders and to deliver a cost-benefit analysis of options for upgrading Jefferys Track. Engineers GHD have also been engaged to identify and provide cost estimates of options for possible routes and road types.

Community and industry consultation will take place in the second half of 2020.

The aim of the consultation is to:

• Communicate and seek feedback on the possibility of development of Jefferys Track
• Understand community and industry opinions, concerns and ideas related to the possibility of development of the track
• Ascertain potential traffic flows
• Identify the costs and benefits of the potential development