Smoother drive for Outback Highway travellers
Sealing to start on caravan-busting Great Central RoadAustralia’s longest shortcut - the 2880km ‘Outback Highway’ formed by linking a series of highways from Laverton in Western Australia to Winton in Queensland, via Uluru and Alice Springs - is set to be a lot less caravan rattling with funding announced to seal the dusty and often very bumpy Great Central Road section.
The West Australian Government said work will soon begin on sealing the Great Central Road with a $20 million contract awarded to Wongutha Way Alliance, a joint venture between CareyMC and the Central Earthmoving Company.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said providing interstate connectivity for tourists, communities and the freight industry will be a boon to the economy.
"It's exciting to see work starting on this 41km section of Great Central Road. The project includes reconstruction of the pavement and sealing the road surface, which will ultimately form part of the longer-term upgrade of 'Outback Way," he said.
"This will create Australia's third Transcontinental Highway, providing a sealed route starting in Laverton, Western Australia, through Alice Springs in the Northern Territory and connecting all the way to Winton in Queensland."
West Australian Minister for Transport Rita Saffioti said the Great Central Road provides the ultimate 'Aussie Outback' experience - sealing this road will allow more visitors to travel this iconic route and experience a true West Australian Outback adventure.
West Australian Treasurer and Minister for Finance, Aboriginal Affairs, and Lands Ben Wyatt said the communities along the Great Central Road offer some of the most unique cultural experiences in the country, giving tourists a real insight into Australia's Aboriginal heritage.
"This project will see up to 30 Aboriginal people involved in construction works and ongoing employment opportunities, with an expected economic boost from an increase in visitors to the area," he said.
The Great Central Road project is a jointly funded project with the Australian Government committing $37.2 million and the West Australian Government committing $9.3 million.
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