The upgrading of Jefferys Track : a methodological investigation into the application of cost-benefit analysis to development roads

The proposal that the Lachlan to Crabtree track, now officially known as Jefferys Track, should be upgraded to allow the passage of cars and trucks has been mooted from time to time over a long period of years by various local residents and politicians. The Derwent Region Transportation Study in its Final Report (1979) dismissed such suggestions in three short paragraphs, claiming \....the cost of an all weather all vehicle route (at least $5.0 m) is too great for the likely resulting benefits\" (p. 58). Recent events including the closure of the Australian Paper Manufacturers pulp-pellet plant at Geeveston and the subsequent high increase in unemployment in an area noted for its timber resources have again stimulated calls for the upgrading of Jefferys Track to facilitate greater economic (and social) interaction between the Communities in the lower Derwent and Huon Valleys. The Legislative Council members for Huon the Hon. Peter Hodgman and Derwent the Hon. Charles Batt have both publicly supported the proposal and the Forestry Commission is at present preparing a confidential report for the Tasmanian Government on the feasibility of upgrading the route for use by log trucks."