Reduce tourists accidentally using Wielangta Road and Sugarloaf Road by improving signage and working with GPS providers to ensure more accurate and appropriate route guidance.

Current situation

Tourists travelling to the Tasman Peninsula are often directed by GPS systems:
- From the East Coast through Wielangta Road (an unsealed forest road) instead of via Sorell.
- From Sorell via Sugarloaf and Fulham Road (both C roads) to Dunalley, thus bypassing Copping (turn off to Bream Creek wineries, camping, etc) and Dunalley’s businesses and services.
This occurs because GPS software prioritises the shortest distance rather than travel time or road conditions.
Travelling these secondary roads is less safe, more stressful and not time-efficient compared with the A3 and A9.
Visitors unknowingly follow the GPS route to the Tasman Peninsula, and become lost on Bream Creek Road and Kellevie Road, particularly when mobile reception drops out. Tourists are often seen stopping in private driveways, making unsafe u-turns, or asking local residents for directions.

The issue

Businesses in Sorell, Bream Creek and Dunalley are missing out on tourist traffic
Wielangta Road includes slippery gravel sections that are not suitable for unfamiliar drivers, increasing the risk of accidents.
Unnecessary through-traffic adds wear and tear to local roads that were not designed for high tourist volumes.
Increased traffic disrupts the safety and amenity of what are generally quiet rural areas.

My plan

Sorell Council to work with State Roads and Glamorgan Spring Bay Council to improve directional signage in Sorell, Dunalley and Orford, clearly guiding tourists travelling from Sorell or the East Coast to the Tasman Peninsula.
Sorell Council to install clearer and more prominent signage advising drivers of preferred routes and travel conditions at the intersection of (a) the Arthur Highway and Sugarloaf Road, (b) Dunalley bridge, and (c) Bream Creek Road and Kellevie Road.

The benefits

Tourists will have a safer and less stressful travel experience, with clearer guidance and reduced risk of becoming lost.
Visitors will be more likely to pass through Sorell’s town centre, Copping and Dunalley, supporting local businesses and services.
The likelihood of accidents on narrow and unsealed roads will be reduced.
Local roads will experience less wear and tear, lowering long-term maintenance costs.
Traffic volumes will be reduced in quiet rural areas, improving safety and amenity for residents.