Media Releases
Wednesday, 15th April 2009
Work to upgrade large sections of the two major highways running through the Kimberley region has started.
Federal Transport and Infrastructure Minister, Anthony Albanese, and WA Transport Minister, Simon O’Brien, said the work will reconstruct the Ellendale section of the Great Northern Highway and an 8.5 kilometre stretch of the Derby Highway.
“In partnership with the State Government, we are putting people to work building and upgrading the road infrastructure vital to our nation’s long term economic prosperity,” said Mr Albanese.
“We are making this investment in the region’s infrastructure because its continuing economic development will be of great importance to the future health of the national economy.”
The Federal Government has committed $7.2 million to the upgrades, with the Western Australian Government providing a further $3.8 million.
Western Australian Transport Minister, Simon O’Brien, said the work involves widening both highways, installing new floodways, improving drainage, and constructing new intersections including one at the Curtin Airbase.
“Once completed, the upgrades will deliver better and safer driving conditions, particularly for the thousands of trucks that use them every day,” said Mr O’Brien.
“I am particularly pleased the contractor selected to do this work – Central Earthmoving – has declared that they will use just over $6.1 million of local goods and services, as well as employ up to 50 people.”
Work on both highways is expected to be completed by the end of the year.
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Electorate Office
334a Marrickville Rd
Marrickville NSW 2204
Phone: 02 9564 3588
Parliament House Office
Parliament House
Canberra ACT 2600
Phone: 02 6277 7700
Phone: (02) 9564 3588
Fax: (02) 9564 1734
Email: A.Albanese.MP@aph.gov.au
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Authorised by Anthony Albanese. 334a Marrickville Rd, Marrickville NSW 2204.