The Territory Labor Government is upgrading our road infrastructure to improve access to remote areas and strengthen services in the bush.
Budget 2023 will invest $20 million to upgrade the Phelp River Crossing on Numbulwar Road, which will result in safer access for Territorians and visitors.
This job creating project will see the construction of concrete floodways, culverts and bridges around the Phelp River crossing. It will improve flood immunity and support the delivery of essential services to regional and remote communities in the Big Rivers and East Arnhem Regions.
Increased accessibility will reduce costs associated with vehicle maintenance, operations for industry and community road users due to improved road quality.
Numbulwar, located at the mouth of Rose River on the western coast of the Gulf of Carpentaria, has a population of around 850 and is part of the Arnhem Land Aboriginal Land Trust. On average the Numbulwar Road is deemed impassable due to flooding for 44 days per year.
Continued upgrades to Numbulwar Road will also help enable potential future plans for a tourist link from Numbulwar to the Central Arnhem Road via the South East Arnhem Land track.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Infrastructure, Planning and Logistics, Eva Lawler:
"We are upgrading the road infrastructure in the Territory and look forward to the completion of this project in the Big Rivers and East Arnhem Regions.
"Numbulwar Road between Ngukurr and Numbulwar is regularly closed during the wet season due to flooding of the Phelp River. At this location, the lack of crossing structures across a series of waterways prohibits access to Numbulwar for weeks at a time.
"By upgrading the Phelp River Crossing, access to the communities of Numbulwar and Ngukurr for provisions, Government services and social and cultural engagements will be significantly enhanced."
Quotes attributable to Member for Arnhem, Selene Uibo:
"This project is something I have worked for since being elected. It is great news for people who live in the East Arnhem region who have been advocating for some time for this type of infrastructure.
"Better road access will cut the costs of getting goods and services in communities, which will benefit locals in Numbulwar and Ngukurr.
"We also expect to see an increase in economic opportunities as a result of this project, such as tourism opportunities and Aboriginal employment and Aboriginal Business Enterprise (ABE) outcomes through the construction and maintenance of the road."
Northern Territory Government
