I am writing to express my extreme concern at the proposed 'clover leaf' junction near Pontville.
I am a resident of the Southern Midlands and have for some time pursued research into the history of the area. The proposed site of the clover leaf would, to my mind, represent one of the most insensitive locations possible for such a development. As is already well known, the area of the Jordan River valley and Bagdad Plains are rich in Aboriginal cultural heritage. Also, the section of original midlands highway which would be most adversely affected is rich in early European settlement heritage, with substantial heritage listed properties such as Brooksby, Woodburn, Shene, Sayes Court and Oakwood all in the near vicinity.Indeed, the importance of this precinct is explicitly recognised by the Southern Midlands Council in its designation of this area as a single heritage precinct.
I would point out that the heritage values of this precinct lie not only in the individual properties, but in the groupings along the old midlands highway and the associated cultural landscape heritage. This area represents one of the earliest corridors of European settlement in Van Diemen's Land, and its value is greatly enhanced by the surrounding paddocks and fields, many of which reflect to this day, in their shape and enclosure by remnant hawthorn hedges, the earliest developments in agriculture and pastoralism by European settlers.
Whilst I recognise the need for development, and indeed the pressing need for a bypass (I use this road myself almost daily), I do not feel that such development should come at the cost of destroying the heritage values of such an important area. I do not mean to say that development of this area should be interdicted; rather, that it should be very carefully considered in the light of the known heritage value of the area. And if this approach is to be taken, it is difficult to see how such an imposing and visually offensive structure could possibly fulfill those conditions.
In addition to this, I would point out that a great many people, over a great many years, have worked extremely hard to develop the tourism potential of the 'Heritage Highway'. There can be little doubt that in the coming years, Tasmania's economy will come to rely more and more on tourism. With this being the case, there can be no justification for ill considered planning decisions that seriously mar the very values we are trying to promote.
I would also point out that the proposed clover leaf, in its very near vicinity to the Shene stables, would have a very adverse impact on that place. These stables are a unique colonial structure, and a recognised landmark for generations of Tasmanians. The utter inappropriateness of placing such a large, modern structure so close to this unique building is beyond my capacity to express.
In closing, I would ask that you consider the above when decisions are being made, not only about the proposed clover leaf, but about any changes in the development of the bypass in this area.
I am a resident of the Southern Midlands and have for some time pursued research into the history of the area. The proposed site of the clover leaf would, to my mind, represent one of the most insensitive locations possible for such a development. As is already well known, the area of the Jordan River valley and Bagdad Plains are rich in Aboriginal cultural heritage. Also, the section of original midlands highway which would be most adversely affected is rich in early European settlement heritage, with substantial heritage listed properties such as Brooksby, Woodburn, Shene, Sayes Court and Oakwood all in the near vicinity.Indeed, the importance of this precinct is explicitly recognised by the Southern Midlands Council in its designation of this area as a single heritage precinct.
I would point out that the heritage values of this precinct lie not only in the individual properties, but in the groupings along the old midlands highway and the associated cultural landscape heritage. This area represents one of the earliest corridors of European settlement in Van Diemen's Land, and its value is greatly enhanced by the surrounding paddocks and fields, many of which reflect to this day, in their shape and enclosure by remnant hawthorn hedges, the earliest developments in agriculture and pastoralism by European settlers.
Whilst I recognise the need for development, and indeed the pressing need for a bypass (I use this road myself almost daily), I do not feel that such development should come at the cost of destroying the heritage values of such an important area. I do not mean to say that development of this area should be interdicted; rather, that it should be very carefully considered in the light of the known heritage value of the area. And if this approach is to be taken, it is difficult to see how such an imposing and visually offensive structure could possibly fulfill those conditions.
In addition to this, I would point out that a great many people, over a great many years, have worked extremely hard to develop the tourism potential of the 'Heritage Highway'. There can be little doubt that in the coming years, Tasmania's economy will come to rely more and more on tourism. With this being the case, there can be no justification for ill considered planning decisions that seriously mar the very values we are trying to promote.
I would also point out that the proposed clover leaf, in its very near vicinity to the Shene stables, would have a very adverse impact on that place. These stables are a unique colonial structure, and a recognised landmark for generations of Tasmanians. The utter inappropriateness of placing such a large, modern structure so close to this unique building is beyond my capacity to express.
In closing, I would ask that you consider the above when decisions are being made, not only about the proposed clover leaf, but about any changes in the development of the bypass in this area.
Yours sincerely
Alan Townsend
P.O. Box 59
Kempton 7030
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