Outback Way, a series of roads and dirt tracks running 2800 kilometres from Winton in QLD to Laverton in WA, will receive $160 million in funding from the Federal Government.
Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said the Western Australian section of Australia’s “longest short-cut” would receive a further $76.5 million.
“Outback Way is a crucial east-west link across central Australia and is important for supporting freight transport and tourism, while connecting remote communities to critical services.
“That’s why our investment will help with works such as sealing more sections to make it safer for truckies and tourists alike,” Mr. McCormack said.
Outback Way links Laverton in Western Australia with Winton in Queensland via Alice Springs and the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park in the Northern Territory.
“The route varies in condition and standard, with sections of two-lane seal, single lane seal, gravel and unsealed roads. The federal government are committed to improving access, safety and efficiency through our series of major investments,” Mr. McCormack said.
Federal Member for O’Connor Rick Wilson said the project is vital for Laverton and the northern Goldfields as it provides a direct route to the east coast.
“Sealing this route will provide a significant boost for the mining, agricultural and tourism industries in the Goldfields.
“No matter where you live, we believe in making local roads safer and investing so product can get from paddock to plate to port faster and people can get home sooner.
“Sealing works on the Outback Way are a vital part of that investment in building the safer country roads we deserve,” Mr. Wilson said.
The latest investment comes in addition to the Northern Territory section of Outback Way receiving $50 million and the Queensland section receiving $33.5 million— bringing total government investment to $330 million.
Related stories:
- Government delivers $100M for Outback Way
- Australian Government approves $11 million for Queensland sections of Outback Way
- Blackall-Jericho pave and seal project underway