The Greens candidate for Franklin today called for federal support for the “Two Valleys Tourist Drive,” a route from Hobart to New Norfolk to Huonville and back to Hobart, using the Plenty Link Road to complete the circuit.
“This 140 kilometre drive would highlight the Derwent and Huon valleys by giving Hobart-based tourists a scenic circuit that encapsulates much of Tasmania’s diversity of attractions,” Dr Rosalie Woodruff said.
“It includes wild mountain and forest scenery, riverside farmlands and excellent opportunities to sample the region’s foods, wines and heritage.”
“This Link Road was identified as a priority piece of infrastructure in the Southern Tasmanian Integrated Transport Strategy 2010. As well as tourism, sealing this road would provide a more economic route for the transport of produce between the two valleys, and would shorten the driving time to the west coast.”
“In the wake of Prime Minister Rudd expressing concern for Tasmania’s higher unemployment rate, this is the right time to get federal backing for a study by all three tiers of government into upgrading and sealing the existing all-weather road linking New Norfolk and Huonville. The roadworks, including bike lanes and completed road will offer regional jobs in both the short and long term,” Dr Woodruff said.
“The first step is a feasibility and costing study, which could be completed this year.”
Former Greens Leader Bob Brown said the Two Valleys Tourist Drive would complement the proposed Wellington walking Track from Hobart to the Styx Valley over the Wellington Range.
“This road and the track would intersect at the Plenty saddle between the two valleys offering a two to three day walk from Hobart,” Dr Brown said.
Rosalie Woodruff, Huon Valley Councillor and Greens candidate for Franklin
