Circular Head advocacy delivers clearer pathway for Bass Highway upgrades
Circular Head is continuing to see progress on Bass Highway upgrades, with key safety improvements underway and major projects planned for delivery in coming years.
The Bass Highway plays a critical role for the Circular Head community, supporting local residents, freight operators, agriculture and tourism across the far north-west. Circular Head Council has been actively advocating to ensure the needs of the region are properly understood and reflected in upgrade planning.
Through direct engagement with the Tasmanian Government, Council has helped refine priorities for sections of the highway west of Smithton, ensuring local knowledge is considered alongside traffic data.
Council has secured agreement for the following Bass Highway sections to move into the design and approvals phase, with works to include pavement upgrades and shoulder widening:
- Mella Road to Fagans Road
- Brittons Road to Riseborough Road
- Dismal Road to Comeback Road
Design and approvals are expected to take approximately two years, with construction likely in the 2027–28 construction season.
Mayor Gerard Blizzard said Council’s advocacy was essential in achieving a stronger outcome for the community. “Myself and our General Manager travelled to Hobart to meet with the department to discuss the next stages of the project,” Mayor Blizzard said.
“Council appreciates the Tasmanian Government’s willingness to listen and work closely with us to refine the original plans, so they better reflect the needs of our community.
“While statistical data is an important part of decision-making, it does not always capture the full picture – particularly in our region, where road use, conditions and users can vary significantly.
“Council was able to contribute valuable on-the-ground knowledge, and that local insight has helped deliver a stronger outcome for our community. We welcome the revised approach and look forward to continuing to work collaboratively with the Government to keep our community informed as the project progresses, and timelines are confirmed.”
General Manager Paul Gardner said advocating for Circular Head remains a key responsibility of Council, particularly when it comes to essential infrastructure that impact safety, connectivity and economic activity.
“Ensuring our region’s voice is heard is critical,” he said. “These roads matter to our community every day, and Council will continue to push for outcomes that reflect how they are actually used.”
PROJECTS COMPLETED OR UNDERWAY IN CIRCULAR HEAD
The following projects are funded and either completed or commencing construction in early 2026:
- Rocky Cape, West of Yanns Road - road alignment improvements.
- Detention River - construction of a new Heavy Vehicle Driver Rest Area, improving safety and rest access for truck drivers.
- Brittons Road to Riseborough Road - resurfacing works.
Plans for projects underway are available on the link below: https://www.transport.tas.gov.au/roadworks/current_projects/north_west_road_projects/bass_highway_-_wynyard_to_marrawah_corridor_strategy
The Government is also upgrading the Stanley Highway over the 2.8km stretch between West Inlet Track and Dovecote Road which will complement the improvements that were completed in early 2025.