Liberals’ B-double Sideling promise
The Liberal Party has confirmed that if re-elected, the $120m Tasman Highway upgrade between Scottsdale and St Patricks River would be constructed to B-double standard.
July 2, 2025
Liberals’ B-double Sideling promise
After weeks of community pressure and an unprecedented business campaign, the Liberal Party has confirmed that if re-elected, the $120m Tasman Highway upgrade between Scottsdale and St Patricks River would be constructed to B-double standard.
The Department of State Growth had been unable to commit to the heavy vehicle rating during the recent month-long community feedback process.
State Growth originally outlined its preferred upgrade was for modifications to the existing Sideling route and had not been able to say whether a B-Double standard road was even achieveable within the project’s budget
But Premier Jeremy Rockliff confirmed it was a “once in a generation project” that would meet B-Double standard regardless of which route it chosen if the Liberals win on July 19.
“If it required more investment in order to get it right once and for all, we will work with the Australian Government on the same 80:20 funding basis as we have before,” Mr Rockliff said.
In an open letter to politicians last week, more than 50 businesses joined forces to argue that anything other than a B-Double route through Corkerys Rd would hold the North East back economically.
Dorset Mayor Rhys Beattie on Monday released Council’s 2019 business case for the shorter realignment.
The business case for a full B-Double standard upgrade through Corkerys Rd showed more than $3 million in annual freight savings, increased efficiency and access for agriculture, logistics, emergency services and tourism, enhanced national food security through better access to premium agricultural land and an opportunity to overcome longstanding regional infrastructure disadvantage
By Tuesday, the Liberal Party announced that if re-elected, it would instruct State Growth to undertake further detailed analysis of the alternative Corkerys Road option and the option to realign and upgrade the existing Tasman Highway route.
“While initial analysis from the Department indicated that the topography of the Corkerys Road was not feasible for heavy vehicles, with grades of up to 15 per cent and potential landslip risks, we recognise the community’s desire to undertake this work,” Premier Jeremy Rockliff said.
“This further analysis will take longer, but it is important to get this decision right and ensure it meets the needs of the North-East community.”
Further analysis will include geotechnical, land tenure and environmental studies to thoroughly compare the two routes, Mr Rockliff said.
He said that detailed investigations and designs of an alternative Corkerys Road route would be shared, with final decisions to be made in consultation with the council, residents and the business community in a transparent process.
Independent MHA Rebekah Pentland also joined calls for the Corkerys Rd option.
“The business case is strong, the community is behind it, and the funding is there. What’s needed now is the political will to finish the job properly. We’ve got one chance to get this right, let’s not settle for second best,” Mrs Pentland said.
Dorset Council has also requested that the Department of State Growth consider costing the full closure of the Tasman Highway between Springfield and St Patricks River during reconstruction to manage project costs and delivery timeframes.
“The single most important aspect of the construction methodology is whether the highway is closed during works,” Cr Beattie said.
“Closing the Sideling temporarily and diverting traffic via forestry roads or the Golconda / Lilydale route would cause disruption — but it could also save between $20 and $30 million and shorten delivery by up to two years.
“Dorset Council remains committed to working with all levels of government and the community to ensure this once-in-a-generation investment delivers long-term value and infrastructure the region can rely on.”
Stage two works between Whish-Wilson Road and Minstone Road are due to start by the end of 2025.