Holbrook residents would be excused for feeling disheartened by the circumstances following the opening of the Hume Highway bypass in Tarcutta.

The people of Tarcutta have experienced a sudden drop in business productivity since the bypass opened in October last year, something which the people of Holbrook do not want to see happen to them.

Although the Holbrook bypass in still only in its early stages, many residents from all parts of the town are highly optimistic about what it might mean for the future.

Peter Dale, Economic Development Officer for Greater Hume Shire Council said “The business community is generally very positive about the improvements to the streetscape that coincide with the construction of the bypass.”

According to Mr Dale the committee is already well into the planning stages of the bypass opening celebrations which will be held once the bypass is operational in more than 12 months time.

Holbrook Bypass Committee member Leonie Hibberson said “Holbrook has lovely eating places and parks.”

Another member of the Holbrook Bypass Committee, Trevor Liddell, said “The accommodation industry in Holbrook is very buoyant. There is upgrading taking place at the moment and businesses are being very proactive.”

Mr Dale named two top reasons for the continuing success of Holbrook, “We have always been a highway town and we will continue to have the transport industry. Most importantly we are passionate.”

Mr Dale also believes the fact the Holbrook is the last town on the Hume Highway until the bypass is completed as a great advantage to the town.

Some businesses in town have already begun capitalising on the changes the bypass is going to make focussing on the idea that if the people can see it they will stop.

One business that has already used the bypass as an opportunity is the Holbrook Bakery which employs around 50 local people. They have opened a second bakery at the south end of Albury Street allowing motorists to readily see their business when they reach the exit ramp of the bypass.