Upgrade of the Queensland section of Australia’s longest shortcut - the Outback Way - is progressing into the next stage, with works commencing to pave and seal as well as widen new sections of the road.
The next stage will include paving and sealing an additional 25 kilometres of the Outback Way between Boulia and Tobermorey and widening of a 17-kilometre stretch of the road between Winton and Boulia.
In March of this year, the Australian Government has allocated an additional $160 million to get works underway to upgrade the Outback Way.
“To date, the Australian Government has committed $330 million over 10 years to improve key sections of the Outback Way, a 2,800-kilometre route connecting Laverton in Western Australia with Winton in Queensland.
“The Outback Way is well placed to support the agriculture and mining industries and has the potential to enhance new tourism opportunities throughout inland Australia,” Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said.
Upgrading the Outback Way will support local communities as well as help drive more tourism through this stretch of road.
“I recently visited Winton and the message is clear: sealing roads better connects our communities, supports the economy and creates much-needed jobs,” Queensland Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said.
The first three upgrades on the Queensland section of the Outback Way is set to support an average of 41 jobs. Minister Bailey added that once all five stages of the upgrade is completed, about 90 per cent of the Queensland section of Outback Way will be sealed.
The upgrades to Outback Way will help boost safety along Australia’s longest shortcut.
“The upgrades will help all motorists, locals and visitors alike, to get to their destination safely.
“It is a welcome investment in the area and community,” Federal Minister for Water Resources, Drought, Rural Finance, Natural Disaster and Emergency Management David Littleproud said,
State Senator Susan McDonald also said that the upgrades to this vital inland road will support the regional economy.
“These works, once completed, will help boost efficiency and productivity and improve the supply chain.
“Making our transport network more efficient will support agriculture and small business in regional Queensland,” Ms McDonald said.
The last two upgrades are currently in the planning phase, with works expected to begin early next year.
Boulia Shire Council Mayor Rick Britton commented: “Our council’s roadwork crew is among those delivering the projects. These projects provide stability and continuity of work for our teams which allows us to build further capabilities and expand experience.”
All five upgrade packages on the Outback Way is jointly funded by the Australian Government, Queensland Government and Boulia Shire Council, with each contributing $21 million, $1.9 million and $3.4 million respectively.
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Source: Queensland Government; Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development