![Actors and logo for TV show Home and Away.](https://the-riotact.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2021/03/79649872_2464862827176689_3482932041392062464_n-810x446.jpg)
Popular Seven network show Home and Away will be filming in the Yass area from 13-19 March. Photo: Home and Away Facebook.
Long-running Australian soap opera Home and Away is filming in the Yass area during the next week but not all residents are starstruck by the idea.
In fact, residents in the Wee Jasper Road area, south of Yass, are upset they weren’t given adequate notice, particularly as it will cut the only access road to Yass for long periods of time.
Travel will be disrupted from Saturday, 13 March, until Friday, 19 March.
On Monday, 15 March, and Tuesday, 16 March, the road will effectively be closed between 8.30 am and 4 pm, except for emergencies. On other days there will be stop/go traffic control.
The road closures will be to accommodate filming for the Seven Network television series at Boambolo, just to the north of Taemas Bridge.
Amanda Clarke has just taken over management of the Billy Grace Reserve camping grounds. A week into the job, she only found out about the closures on Thursday, 11 March, leaving her little time to warn visitors.
“I have 45 bookings and I’m trying to let people know,” she said. “I believe people can get in here from Canberra, but it’s going to be a bit difficult.”
With a cast and crew of about 60, Home and Away is expected to inject funds into the Yass area, but not everyone will benefit.
“They are talking about the money that will be brought into the community, but we are on the opposite side of that because no-one is staying here,” said Ms Clarke.
Helen Cathles and her husband, Ian, run Cooradigbee Homestead in Wee Jasper and support the television production showcasing the region’s magnificent scenery, but also believe communication could have been better.
“It’s very beautiful here and we support them using the area, but we weren’t informed until late this week,” she said.
“The population of Wee Jasper is 85. Maybe they didn’t think it through. People travel to work each day. In this town, tourism is equal with agriculture. We have stock movements … people have made doctor’s appointments.”
Ms Cathles said the Seven Network has done its best to limit the impact of road closures after lobbying from the community, but early communication could have been better.
As for fans hoping to catch a glimpse of their favourite TV characters, Yass Valley Council has passed on a warning: “The Seven Network would like to caution anyone coming to the location in the hope of watching the filming, as it will not be possible and they will be turned away.”
The roadworks and relevant delays will be as follows:
- Saturday, 13 March – 7 am to 6 pm – intermittent stop/slow traffic control – delays of five to 10 minutes.
- Sunday, 14 March – 7 am to 6 pm – intermittent stop/slow traffic control – delays of five to 10 minutes.
- Monday, 15 March – 7 am to 8.30 am – intermittent stop/slow traffic control – delays of five to 10 minutes.
– 8:30 am to 4 pm – road closure – delays of up to two hours with the exception of emergency vehicles.
– 4 pm to 6 pm – intermittent stop/slow traffic control – delays of five to 10 minutes. - Tuesday, 16 March – 7 am to 8.30 am – intermittent stop/slow traffic control – delays of five to 10 minutes.
– 8.30 am to 4 pm – road closure – delays of up to two hours with the exception of emergency vehicles.
– 4 pm to 6 pm – intermittent stop/slow traffic control – delays of five to 10 minutes. - Wednesday, 17 March – 7 am to 6 pm – intermittent stop/slow traffic control – delays of five to 10 minutes.
- Thursday, 18 March – 7 am to 6 pm – intermittent stop/slow traffic control – delays of five to 10 minutes.
- Friday, 19 March – 7 am to 6 pm – intermittent stop/slow traffic control – delays of five to 10 minutes.
In the case of an emergency during the closure times, residents will be able to pass through the road closures.
Original Article published by Kim Treasure on About Regional.