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Tuesday, 12th May 2009

Northern Territory To Benfit From Nation Building Budget


In this Budget, the Rudd Labor Government is investing nearly $130 million in the Northern Territory's road and rail infrastructure - an investment that will support local jobs and local businesses during the current global recession.


All up, the 2009-10 Budget delivers an increase in Federal funding of $51.4 million, or 66 per cent, over the 2008-09 Budget for Northern Territory road and rail projects.


As well as putting in place the modern, well-planned transport infrastructure vital to the Territory's and the nation's long term prosperity, our record investment program will support jobs and provide an immediate stimulus to local economies.


During 2009-10, work will start on a range of major road and rail projects including:



  • Stage 2 of the Tiger Brennan Drive East Arm Port Access Road - construction is expected to commence in 2009 and is scheduled for completion in 2010.

  • The Tiger Brennan Drive Stuart Highway Intersection - construction is expected to commence in 2009 and is scheduled for completion in 2010.

  • Flood immunity, road safety and productivity improvements on NT Highways including:

    • Fatigue management on Stuart, Barkly and Victoria Highways.

    • National Network Strengthening and Widening.

    • Stuart Highway - Darwin to Katherine overtaking opportunities.

    • Stuart Highway - planning heavy vehicle diversion around Katherine CBD.




Construction on this package of works is scheduled to commence in 2009 and is scheduled for completion by mid 2014.



  • Upgrade of the Central Arnhem Road - construction is expected to commence in 2010 and is scheduled for completion in 2012.

  • The upgrade of the Maryvale Road and Hughes Stock Route - construction is expected to commence in 2009 and is scheduled for completion in 2010.


At the other end of the construction cycle, the following major projects are expected to be completed by the end of 2009-10:



  • Upgrade of the Victoria Highway along the Victoria River Floodplain and at the Victoria River Bridge.

  • Upgrade of the Tanami Road.

  • Upgrade of the Plenty Highway.


On top of the additional money for upgrading poorly designed and congested sections of the Territory's road network, we are funding a range of initiatives designed to improve road safety:



  • $2 million to eliminate up to 10 dangerous black spots on local roads.

  • $1.7 million to continue installing boom gates and other safety measures at three high risk level crossings.

  • $1 million to address the lack of safe, modern roadside facilities for truck drivers, including new and refurbished rest stops, parking bays and decoupling areas.


Our investment doesn't stop there.


The Rudd Labor Government will provide $24 million to maintain and upgrade local roads. Much of this funding will be paid to the Territory's 16 councils.


The Government is working to strengthen the Australian economy during this global recession. By developing well designed transport networks we are contributing to higher productivity and rising living standards.


That's why the Government is investing so much with such urgency.


Funding for the programs and projects listed above are being delivered under the Rudd Labor Government's six year, $26.7 billion Nation Building Program to which the Northern Territory government has signed up.


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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

We acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land on which our offices stand and we pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging. We acknowledge the sorrow of the Stolen Generations and the impacts of colonisation on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. We also recognise the resilience, strength and pride of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

Authorised by Anthony Albanese. 334a Marrickville Rd, Marrickville NSW 2204.

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