As of this week, the Federal Government has committed a total $700 million under the Northern Australia Roads Program (NARP) and Northern Australia Beef Roads Program.
Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Darren Chester announced $300 million in extra funding earlier this week during a visit to Rockhampton.
Around $100 million has been allocated to improve roads essential to cattle transportation and around $200 million under the NARP to fund high-priority projects, building on the $360 million already committed under the first round of NARP funding.
“The Beef Roads Program recognises moving cattle from the farm gate to market involves some of the longest and most challenging land transport distances of any industry, anywhere in the world,” said Mr. Chester in a statement.
“The beef roads and NARP programmes will support economic development in the north by funding targeted upgrades on key roads necessary for transporting cattle—improving the resilience of cattle supply chains, improving safety, and reducing travel times, vehicle operating and maintenance costs.
The Federal Government has partnered with the Queensland, Northern Territory and Western Australia governments, which have each committed to provide a co-contribution for these projects.
NARP and Beef Roads projects will be funded on an 80:20 basis.