AT LAST: Former Mansfield shire mayor, the late Sandie Jeffcoat, shire tourism and economic development manager Ian Geer and Cr Jeff Whyte visit the road on the announcement of funding last September.

Tourist route to provide boost to shire’s economy

THE long awaited sealing of the final 14km of unsealed Eildon-Jamieson Road is about to commence, with construction scheduled to start this week.

The work has been contracted to Citywide Services Pty Ltd, which has indicated they will be sub-contracting the major elements of the works to local companies.

Once complete the sealing of the final section of the route is expected to attract many tourists to the region with its scenic outlooks and various camping and picnic points along the way.

In addition it is expected that it will provide an alternative route to the Mansfield and high country area for travellers from Melbourne.

For the residents of both Eildon and Jamieson, the sealing will provide a welcome upgrade from the gravel road they currently use for travel along this section of road.

Citywide have engaged the services of Alpine Civil Pty Ltd for drainage and pavement construction, with pavement materials to be sourced through Mansfield Constructions.

It is estimated that through the involvement of these companies, about 20 local positions will be necessary for the duration of the works.

Following completion it is anticipated that significant additional local employment will be created from the increased tourism to the area.

While it is anticipated that no full road closures will be required during the works, residents and motorists wishing to use the road should be aware of short delays that may result at times.

After years of campaigning for funding, the remaining 14km of the Eildon-Jamieson Road between Big River and Woods Creek, will be sealed due to a grant of $1.78 million through the Federal Government’s Family First’s Get Communities Working program.

This funding, together with $1.22 million from the State Government, provided after the 2006/07 fires, and a $400,000 commitment over the next two years from council, means the project can proceed with completion expected by December.