GETTING rid of the traffic thundering through Beaufort all day will either save the town or kill it, depending on who you speak to.
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The project came up again this week as Premier Denis Napthine promised $157 million to continue the duplication of the Western Highway west of Beaufort, but did not announce anything further for the bypass.
Newsagency owner Jim Cox said it would hurt some businesses but Beaufort would recover and be better for it.
“Think about towns bypassed by the Hume. They’re flourishing,” he said.
“They’ve had to find other reasons for people to come.”
Mr Cox said Beaufort already had the right facilities to attract people driving along the Western Highway.
“We’ve got good services, good public toilets, good parking for people with caravans,” he said.
At the Imperial Egg Gallery there was not so much optimism.
Owner Peter Saunders said there would be pain for some time after the bypass, with many businesses relying on travellers.
"Every business is going to suffer," he said.
"The first two years is going to kill the traders."
“We’ve got 14 places that sell coffee and a population of 800 people.”
Mr Saunders said the uncertainty was also a huge problem.
“Ever since we came here seven years ago, people have been talking about the bypass, so it’s not like I can sell up now in preparation.”
However, Mr Saunders also agreed with Mr Cox on its wider benefits.
“It will be good for everyone else in the town, not on the main street,” he said.
VicRoads is surveying a large area of land 500-metres north from the current highway.
Workers from VicRoads have also contacted landowners in the area asking to survey their land.
Mr Cox said with certainty that it would happen, with the timing dependant on politics.
“Despite what anyone feels about it, it’s inevitable,” he said.
alex.hamer@fairfaxmedia.com.au