A tender toupgrade and seal a further 15 kilometres of the Plenty Highway has been awardedfor $10 million to Exact Contracting Pty Ltd.
The PlentyHighway, which forms part of the 2,800-kilometre Outback Way, is becoming saferand more reliable during wet weather events thanks to projects like these.
More than 175local jobs have been created to date and more will be available as additionalsections of the Plenty Highway are upgraded to a sealed standard with furtherfunding provided under the National Partnership Agreement.
This projectbuilds on the rolling investment by the Australian and Northern Territory Governmentsinto the Outback Way with a total of $154.55 million committed since 2013.
The partnershipbetween the Australian and Northern Territory Governments identified the PlentyHighway and Tjukaruru Roads as being the highest priority sections in theNorthern Territory through the Outback Way Investment Strategy.
The short termpriority sections identified in the Outback Way Investment Strategy are nowcomplete with construction now moving into delivering the medium termpriorities, providing the benefits of upgrading and sealing Australias longestshortcut, sooner.
The $25 millionPlenty Highway project includes Australian Government contribution of $20 millionand $5 million from the Northern Territory Government.
Quotesfrom the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport andRegional Development, Michael McCormack:
The Plenty Highway is an important link forinter-state and inter-regional travel. Its a major freight route in theNorthern Territory as well as a part of the Outback Way, which connectsLaverton in Western Australia to Winton in Queensland.
Its also the third and shortest major road linkbetween Perth and Cairns. The improvements we make on this highway will benefitmultiple industry sectors and a growing flow of traffic.
The upgrades to the Plenty Highway are also asmall part of the Federal Governments plan to develop northern Australia. Byunlocking the norths vast potential, we make the north stronger and that meanswe make Australia stronger.
As stated bythe Northern Territory Minister for Infrastructure, Planning and Logistics, EvaLawler:
Thesekey infrastructure upgrades have supported more than 175 jobs for Territoriansduring construction and will continue to create even more.
Thisproject has seen local residents from Harts Range and a number of localcontractors in Central Australia working on this critical access route thatbenefits communities and the mining, tourism and pastoral sectors.
Theseworks are improving the flood immunity of the highway; reducing the need forroad closures after heavy rainfall and supporting future growth by linking keytransport and logistic hubs.
Senator forthe Northern Territory, Dr Sam McMahon:
Upgrading the Plenty Highway means increasedbusiness development opportunities for industry, including the pastoral andtourism sectors. This project acknowledges the good work our farmers do as wellas the significant contributions made in tourism and mining.
It will improve access to remote communities andthe time it takes to reach them, thanks to better-quality roads and greaterflood immunity in times of rare weather events.
Anupgraded Plenty Highway will mean a safer road for all who use it, reducedvehicle operating costs for freight and passenger vehicles, and a much morepleasant journey in this amazing part of our country.
