3 May 2026
The Finocchiaro CLP Government has announced an additional $60 million in funding in the 2026/27 budget to accelerate upgrades across the Territory road networkIt will fund the rebuilding and strengthening roads, shoulder widening, asphalt resurfacing, and replacing ageing culverts
Funding would extend the life of our road network and ensure it continues to support economic growth and connectivity across the Territory
The Finocchiaro CLP Government is delivering safer, stronger roads for Territorians in the year of Growth, Certainty and Security with an additional $60 million investment in the 2026-27 infrastructure program.
This funding will accelerate upgrades across the Territory road network, including rebuilding and strengthening roads, shoulder widening, asphalt resurfacing, and replacing ageing culverts.
It includes the recently announced $30.5 million rapid roads repair package to restore infrastructure damaged during recent severe weather events.
A key focus of the program is targeted upgrades in the Coolalinga precinct, designed to improve safety, ease congestion, and unlock growth opportunities across the rural area.
The funding will be delivered through the Road Asset Modernisation Program (RAMP), which is driving a coordinated approach to maintaining and improving the Territory's road network to support long-term economic growth and connectivity.
Minister for Logistics and Infrastructure Bill Yan said the additional funding would improve safety, extend the life of our road network and ensure it continued to support economic growth and connectivity across the Territory.
"Territorians have endured one of the toughest wet seasons on record and this announcement will fast tracking damage repair, and delivering the safer roads thousands of motorists rely on every day."
The 2026-27 program includes:
$30.5 million for fast-tracked urgent road repairs following severe weather$5 million towards Coolalinga Road Safety Upgrades (part of a $26.47 million joint project with the Australian Government)$5 million for resurfacing on McMillans Road$4 million for Cox Peninsula Road pavement rehabilitation$1 million for culvert replacements across the network
Coolalinga upgrades to deliver safer, smarter connections
Stages 1 and 2 of the Coolalinga Road Safety Upgrades will deliver practical, on-the-ground improvements to how traffic moves through the area.
The works will create alternative routes, improve key intersections, and strengthen connections between commercial centres on either side of the Stuart Highway.
These upgrades will:
Reduce crash risks and improve safety for all road usersTake pressure off the Stuart Highway by providing better local road connectionsImprove traffic flow and travel reliability for local residents and businessesSupport growth in the rural area with better access between homes, services and commercial hubs
Mr Yan said the Coolalinga upgrades were about fixing long-standing issues while preparing for future demand.
"This has been a long time coming and the CLP recognises how important it is to improve connectivity between the commercial hubs on either side of the highway and to support current and future rural development," he said.
"The CLP Government will continue to roll out targeted investments to ensure the Territory's road network is safer, more resilient, and ready to support communities and industry into the future."
Deputy Chief Minister and Member for Nelson, Gerard Maley echoed Minister Yan's comments.
"Locals know how frustrating traffic around Coolalinga can be, and these upgrades will take pressure off the Stuart Highway and improve how local traffic moves through the area," he said.
Member for Goyder Andrew Mackay said the announcement was significant.
"Local residents have continually raised concerns we me in relation to these increasingly busy roads. Our government has listened and are making sure the rural area is getting its fair share of infrastructure funding under the Finocchiaro government," he said.
"I welcome this announcement and the improvements it will deliver to road users."
The NT Budget will be handed down on 5 May
