Additional funding helps seal the Tanami Road deal
Most of the Northern Territory’s remote roads are unsealed. Read how the latest funding will help bridge the distance.
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Two remote roads at either end of the Northern Territory are expected to deliver an economic boost for the communities they serve.
The Commonwealth government this week announced it had allocated an additional $200m to seal the Tanami Road in Central Australia.
Then on Friday, new Planning, Infrastructure and Logistics Minister Joel Bowden officially opened a new bridge over the Paru Creek on the Tiwi Islands as part of a $28m project to seal Paru Road on Melville Island.
Almost 80 per cent of the NT’s 36,000 kilometres of road is unsealed.
Mr Bowden, who was promoted to Cabinet in a reshuffle earlier this month, welcomed the additional Commonwealth contribution to seal the Tanami.
The additional funding was announced on Thursday as part of the Commonwealth’s review into the nation’s infrastructure pipeline, that saw the NT lose none of its proposed infrastructure projects.
In fact, the NT walked away with an additional $200m towards the Tanami upgrade.
The project includes upgrading and sealing 150km of the Tanami, with work expected to be completed by late 2025.
He said the additional funding would mean more of the 1035km road linking Alice Springs to the Great Northern Highway near Halls Creek would be sealed.
“The Territory Labor Government will continue advocating for its fair share of funding and we are committed to delivering an infrastructure network that improves efficiency, connectivity and safety for all Territorians,” Mr Bowden said.
“Infrastructure projects in the Territory create local jobs both in our urban hubs as well as for regional and remote Territorians. The Territory Government will work with the Australian Government to maintain the current split to ensure we continue building a sustainable, productive and liveable Territory.”
About 1000km north, Mr Bowden travelled to the Tiwi Islands to officially open the Paru Road bridge on Melville Island.
The contract includes upgrading and sealing about nine kilometres of Paru Road between Paru barge landing and the Threeways intersection.
The project is part of the $75m Tiwi Islands roads upgrades program with Tiwi Partners, Tiwi Islands Equity Holders and Sitzler, which includes works on the Pickertaramoor and Pirlangimpi access roads.
“The Territory Labor Government’s investment in better roads across the Tiwi Islands will help to connect communities, and address access and safety issues, and improve flood immunity,” Mr Bowden said.
“This project will boost the economic and social potential of both Bathurst and Melville islands well into the future. While there are always logistical challenges in delivering major works to remote areas, especially in the tropical north, Tiwi Partners has done an excellent job completing the bridge and a significant part of the roadworks in time for the onset of the wet season when travel becomes more difficult.”
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