Industry News, Latest News

Fed Govt engages industry for $3.5B Roads of Strategic Importance initiative

The Federal Government will meet with stakeholders in Broome to discuss the 10-year, $3.5 billion Roads of Strategic Importance (ROSI) initiative to link WA communities and essential services.The Federal Government will meet with stakeholders in Broome to discuss the 10-year, $3.5 billion Roads of Strategic Importance (ROSI) initiative to link WA communities and essential services.

Around $1.5 billion has been earmarked for key corridors across northern Australia to improve road reliability, provide improved access for communities and to better connect industry to markets.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said the Federal Government is engaging directly with stakeholders and industry to ensure major investments under ROSI are targeted to maximise its benefits.

“The Northern Australia ROSI will deliver upgrades to key corridors across Western Australia, Queensland and the Northern Territory to support major freight movements and better connect businesses to markets and export facilities such as ports and airports,” he said.

“Specifically, works likely to be funded include sealing, flood immunity improvements, road strengthening and widening, pavement rehabilitation, bridge and culvert upgrades and road realignments.”

Minister for Resources and Northern Australia Matt Canavan said priorities funded through the $1.5 billion Northern Australia ROSI would build on the important upgrades already progressing under the Northern Australia Roads Program and the Beef Roads Program.

“The Northern Australia ROSI will provide a direct economic boost by improving links between regional communities to ensure that they have reliable access to essential services including healthcare and education,” Mr Canavan said.

“These investments will build on those projects already committed to by the Federal Government, including replacing the Bow River Bridge, and upgrades on the Great Northern Highway between Ord and Turkey Creek and Maggie Creek and Wyndham, in addition to works on the Marble Bar Road (Coongan Gorge) and the Broome-Cape Leveque Road.”

Assistant Minister for Roads and Transport Scott Buchholz said the identification of corridors would be informed by an analysis of data from sources including the Bureau of Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Economics and CSIRO.

“The allocation of funding will be informed by an evidence-based approach that identifies corridors of greatest need in terms of existing deficiencies and freight demand patterns,” Mr Buchholz said.

“Once we have worked through the data analysis and consultation processes, the Government will determine key corridors to be funded under the ROSI – Northern Australia Package and will work with state, territory and local governments to progress and deliver the package.”

Funding under the package will be available over 10 years from 2018-19.


Related stories:

Send this to a friend