Legislative Council, Tuesday 5 September 2023

Ms FORREST question to LEADER of the GOVERNMENT in the LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, Mrs HISCUTT

With regard to roadworks underway on the Bass Highway between Wynyard and Marrawah, specifically at the Tollymore Road junction and surrounding areas at Flowerdale, can you provide a progress update on the following;

1) Are there any reasons for the delays in the works beyond weather conditions and;

a) If so, what are they?

2) What methods of communication to local communities and road users have been used by the department to communicate these delays, acknowledging that many in the community do not have access to or are proficient in online methods of communication?

ANSWER:

1) There are no delays to the works currently being undertaken on the Bass Highway at Tollymore Road. The contractor is on track to complete the works by early 2024 and has not experienced any significant delays to date. The pause during winter was planned and allows pavement and sealing works to occur during warmer months, as required, to meet the conditions of the contract specifications.

a) Not applicable.

2) In addition to online information and a media release, the local community has been informed through letters notifying the community of progress including the pause (slow down) for winter. Variable message boards have been used to provide messaging to motorists throughout the duration of the contracted works and will continue to be used through until the project is complete.

The contractor maintains more consistent communication with directly affected property owners that adjoin the works.