Tasman Council: Keep Key Road Open – A Truckie's Realistic Plea

Mei Lin

4 min read

Post on May 13, 2025

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The Economic Ramifications of Closing the Road

The proposed closure of this key road would send shockwaves through the Tasman region's economy. This isn't just about a road; it's about the lifeblood of our regional development and supply chain. Consider these crucial points:

• Significant Freight Volume: Over 500 trucks traverse this road daily, transporting goods worth millions of dollars. The closure would instantly disrupt this vital flow.
• Industries Critically Affected: The impact would be felt across various sectors:
  • Agriculture: Farmers rely on this road to transport produce to markets, potentially leading to spoilage and significant financial losses.
  • Tourism: The transport of tourists and essential supplies to local businesses would be severely hampered, impacting the region's vital tourism sector.
  • Construction: The delivery of building materials would be delayed, stalling construction projects and impacting employment.
• Supply Chain Disruption: The closure would create a domino effect, causing delays and shortages across the supply chain, impacting businesses and consumers alike. This disruption would ripple outwards, significantly impacting the Tasman economy's overall health. The economic impact could run into millions.

The Tasman Council needs to fully assess the devastating consequences of this potential closure.

Safety Concerns and Alternative Routes – A Truckie's Perspective

While the council may propose alternative routes, these options are far from ideal from a truck driver's perspective. The reality is stark:

• Increased Travel Time: Alternative routes are significantly longer, adding hours to journeys, impacting delivery schedules and increasing driver fatigue.
• Higher Fuel Costs: The extra distance translates directly to increased fuel costs, putting a considerable strain on trucking businesses already facing high operating expenses.
• Compromised Road Safety: Many alternative routes are unsuitable for heavy vehicles, featuring narrow lanes, sharp bends, and poor road surfaces. This substantially increases the risk of accidents, putting drivers and the wider community at risk.
• Anecdotal Evidence: I've driven these alternative routes. They are dangerous and inefficient. The increased risk of accidents and the added stress on drivers are unacceptable.

The Tasman Council needs to prioritize road safety and consider the practical implications for the drivers who keep this region moving.

The Tasman Council's Responsibility and a Call for Dialogue

The Tasman Council has a responsibility to listen to its community. This isn't just about a road; it’s about the livelihoods of truck drivers, the stability of businesses, and the overall economic well-being of the region. We need:

• Open Communication: The council needs to engage in open dialogue with truck drivers, local businesses, and the wider community before making any decisions.
• Collaborative Solutions: Finding a compromise is crucial. Perhaps improved road maintenance, traffic management solutions, or other feasible options can mitigate the need for closure.
• Consideration of all Voices: The council needs to actively listen and address the concerns raised by the truck driving community and the broader public. Ignoring our voices will have serious consequences.

Ignoring the concerns of truck drivers and the business community will be detrimental to the Tasman region.

Securing the Future of Tasman's Transport Network – Keep the Key Road Open

The arguments are clear: closing this key road will have catastrophic economic consequences, create significant safety risks, and damage the trust between the Tasman Council and its community. The Tasman Council must prioritize keeping this road open. The economic impact, safety concerns, and the vital need for open communication all point to one conclusion: this road must remain open.

I urge you to contact the Tasman Council, sign the online petition to save this key road, and share this article to raise awareness. Let's work together to secure the future of Tasman's transport network and keep this vital road open for all. Let’s keep our roads open – for the good of Tasman.