Federal Coalition Invests in Outback Way

ADAM GILES - CHIEF MINISTER

Chief Minister Adam Giles has welcomed a $33 million Federal Coalition funding commitment for the Outback Way linking Western Australia, the Northern Territory and Queensland.

“The National Party Leader Warren Truss has today confirmed that a Coalition Government will spend $11 million a year for the next three years on upgrades to this important regional route,” Mr Giles said.

“The Coalition has already proven it has a very different attitude to infrastructure investment and is willing to commit roads funding where it is needed most.

“Many will remember that the last time resources were committed to the Outback Highway was under John Howard’s Coalition Government and should the Coalition be elected again this coming Saturday, that legacy of Outback Way improvements will continue.

“Despite more than two decades in Canberra, Federal Labor Member for Lingiari, Warren Snowdon, has failed to deliver crucial road upgrades and has neglected the Territory’s infrastructure needs.”

The 2,800km Outback Way between Winton in Queensland and Laverton in Western Australia links the Plenty and Stuart Highway and continues out to Docker River.

It is Australia’s longest shortcut.

“It serves as an important route for the self-drive tourist market, is increasingly becoming a growth transport corridor, and delivers benefits to regional communities across outback Australia.

“Upgrading the worst sections of this road will improve reliability and connectivity for towns along this link. Connecting communities via better roads is an important step towards building economic development and job opportunities for people in the bush.

“The Territory Government is keen to see increased mining investment and mineral exploration in Central Australia and road upgrades are crucial to making that happen.

“The Outback Way provides an important link for the central and western grazing industry and upgrades will improve efficiency for cattle industry movements, reducing the cost of production for cattle transporters in the NT and Queensland.

“Alice Springs is at the very centre of this route and has the potential to become an east-west freight hub.”

Source: ProjectLink.com.au

View All »