Northern Midlands mayor David Downie said he thought it was great. 

“To have this road done two years earlier, and the whole Midland highway upgrade to be finished within eight years (2024), will stimulate the whole economy with the work being done and also having better access to a better road, will greatly improve travelling,” he said. 

“The by pass at Perth will improve the access to the city of Launceston and it will also mean that there will be more land available for development … that will create opportunities for Perth to grow substantially.” 

The project is expected to be tendered mid-year.