The Rudd Labor Government has today declared Darwin’s Tiger Brennan Drive extension to be a road of national significance to recognise the growing importance of Darwin as a growing urban centre and an economic and freight hub.

Minister Albanese has presented a legislative instrument into the Australian Parliament, which includes the Tiger Brennan Drive extension in the National Land Transport Network.

“The Government already knows how important this extension is to Palmerston residents stuck in traffic gridlock every day and I commend Damian Hale for his advocacy of this project,” Mr Albanese said.

“And today we recognise the role that the Tiger Brennan Drive extension will play in the national economy and Top End freight networks.

“This builds on the Government’s $74 million commitment to the Tiger Brennan Drive extension, and Stage 1 of the project is already underway.

“It also means that once completed, the extension will be eligible to receive funding that the Rudd Government provides to the Northern Territory Government to maintain the national network.”

Mr Hale was very pleased to have secured national recognition for the Tiger Brennan Drive extension.

“As a Palmerston resident, I have first-hand knowledge of the safety and traffic problems on a road that’s not currently equipped to deal with semi-trailers and trucks,” Mr Hale said.

“The completed extension of Tiger Brennan Drive would both ease traffic gridlock for Palmerston residents and link the Stuart Highway from Palmerston to the East Arm Port Access facilities.”

The legislative instrument can be viewed at http://www.comlaw.gov.au/ComLaw/Legislation/LegislativeInstrument1.nsf/0/FAA4845AF30B1027CA2574C700032F3D?OpenDocument