Investing in Central Australian infrastructure

The Albanese Government is delivering on the commitments it took to the election to improve access, resilience and economic opportunity in Central Australia.

Central Australia is a major beneficiary of the Australian Government’s substantial investment in regional Australia announced in last week’s October Budget.

The Budget is delivering:

• $350 million of additional funding to continue upgrading the Tanami Road and Central Arnhem Road bringing the total commitment to $740 million.
• $200 million of additional funding for the Northern Territory Strategic Roads Package, which will bring better economic and social opportunities to remote and regional communities across the Territory, bringing the total to $332 million

This work is critical to ensuring people in remote Central Australian communities are connected to services and work, and to one another, greatly enhancing their quality of life.

Additional funding for the Tanami Road and Central Arnhem Road will continue strategic upgrades to support Indigenous and remote communities and businesses.

Santa Teresa Road, Mereenie Loop Road, and all-weather access to Maningrida, Ramingining, and the Milingimbi mainland barge ramp, have been identified as early priorities for the Northern Territory Strategic Roads Package.

The Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister, Catherine King, has visited Yuendumu with the Labor Member for Lingiari, Marion Scrymgour.

They have travelled on the completed 11-kilometre section of the Tanami Road at Yuendumu, which is part of the Government’s $1.5 billion program to completely seal the Tanami and other freight highways in the Northern Territory, Western Australia and South Australia.

Quotes attributable to the Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government, Catherine King:

“Transport infrastructure investment revitalises regions based on local priorities, and enhances amenity and liveability.

“Under our Government, Australian communities will be empowered to secure the support needed to grow local economies, improve liveability and enhance productivity – so no community is left behind.

Quotes attributable to Federal Member for Lingiari, Marion Scrymgour:

“Remote Australia is dependent on good, safe roads for accessing essential services, getting to work, or welcoming tourists.

“These investments will give remote communities the connections they deserve, allowing more people to get around with greater safety.