The Federal Labor Government and the Northern Territory Government today announced a significant investment in bush roads across the Territory.
The Federal Labor Government is committing $90 million towards a new Regional Roads Productivity Package and the Northern Territory Government will contribute $16 million towards the package.
Federal Infrastructure and Transport Minister Anthony Albanese said this is a significant investment in the future of the Territory, and will encourage growth and development in a number of communities and local industries.
“Together with the Henderson Labor Government we are putting in place the modern, well planned infrastructure which will unlock the region’s full economic potential into the future,” said Mr Albanese.
Among the identified projects are upgrades to six regional roads:

• Roper Highway, causeways and associated works, targeted strengthening and widening;


• Port Keats Road, targeted sealing and flood immunity improvements;


• Santa Teresa Way, upgrading the gravel condition of priority sections;


• Central Arnhem Road, construction of a new bridge over Rocky Bottom Creek;


• Buntine Highway, targeted strengthening, widening and sealing works; and


• Arnhem Link Road, upgrading the gravel condition of priority sections;

The Northern Territory Government will fully scope the projects to determine which sections of these roads to prioritise and what work needs to be done.
Minister for Regional Development and Member for Arnhem, Malarndirri McCarthy said the Northern Territory Government’s commitment to upgrading key regional roads will support opening up the potential economic growth and productivity of our regional areas.
“These regional roads are major arteries connecting and providing access to communities, supporting tourism, the cattle and resources sector as well as improving the economic opportunities for Territorians living in remote areas,” said Ms McCarthy
“Along with our investment into our Territory Growth Towns this is about growing our regional economies and creating more jobs in the bush.”
Mr Snowdon said the investment in regional roads is a win not only for unlocking economic opportunities but also for improving access to essential services.
“The upgrades will mean our roads are open for more days during the wet which means better access to health and education facilities for our remote Territorians,” said Mr Snowdon.
This new funding is in addition to the unprecedented $635.6 million the Federal Labor Government is providing under the current six-year Nation Building Program (2008-09 to 2013-14) to rebuild and renew the Territory’s road infrastructure.
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