NT Govt invests $2.3bn in transport infrastructure through 2024 Budget

The Northern Territory Government has released its 2024-25 Budget, highlighting a $2.3 billion spend on local roads, aerodromes, jetties and barge landings. 

The transport infrastructure budget includes: 

• $340.5 million for priority industry roads to support economic development 
• $209 million for Central Arnhem Road upgrades 
• $189.3 million for upgrades to Plenty Highway, as part of the Outback Way corridor 
• $127.9 million for Northern Territory National Network roads 
• $112.4 million for Buntine Highway upgrades 
• $80.3 million for remote and regional roads 
• $80.1 million for Tanami Road upgrades 
• $77.7 million for construction of a new marine facility at Mandorah 
• $71.6 million for the Tiger Brennan Drive and Berrimah Road intersection 
• $66.8 million for Kakadu National Park roads 
• $60 million for upgrades to Port Keats Road 
• $51.8 million for upgrades to Tiwi Islands roads 

This significant investment builds on the recently announced Australian Government $480 million commitment through the 2024-25 Federal Budget, which will pave the way for more jobs and increased road safety across the Territory. 

“Roads get the Territory moving, each and every region will benefit from the Labor Government’s record investment in infrastructure through Budget 2024. 

“While this landmark joint investment will see bigger and better roads built, it also means current road infrastructure will be assessed and upgraded to ensure it is safe and fit for purpose. 

“Budget 2024 means investing in year round connectivity, it means work for young apprentices and it means improved road safety for you and your loved ones,” Chief Minister Eva Lawler said. 

New road and highway projects funded by the Australian Government include $120 million of National Highway network upgrades for the Stuart, Victoria and Barkly highways, $72 million for upgrading and sealing of Port Keats Road connecting Wadeye to Palumpa, $64 million for the Arnhem Highway Duplication, and $64 million for the Berrimah Road duplication. 

The Northern Territory Government is committed to delivering stronger, safer and more reliable roads for all Territorians, with major road projects already underway include the $825 million sealing of Tanami Road, the $344.5 million Outback Way project, and the $415 million sealing and upgrading of remote and regional roads under the NT Strategic Roads package. 

In addition, a $2 million planning study is now underway to assess and improve the Territory’s flood resilience on the Territory’s National Highway Network, funded through the Northern Territory and Australian Governments’ Disaster Ready Fund. 

The Territory Government recently awarded a $3 million contract to local company Arnhem Earthmoving and Mechanical for repair works on the flood-damaged Buchanan Highway. This work is expected to support eight Territory workers. 

The Lawler Government is also investing $7.4 million to repair flood damaged sections of the Stuart, Barkly and Tablelands highways after these roads were damaged by Ex-Tropical Cyclone Ellie. While temporary repairs were completed in 2023 to keep the roads open, the new funding commitment will restore the highways to pre-flood condition. 

Local companies Gulf Civil Pty Ltd and Remote Concrete NT have been engaged to deliver the works starting next month. 

The current infrastructure program will deliver another 10 critical projects valued at over half a billion dollars combined, which will provide a steady stream of work for Territory businesses. 

“Budget 2024 has a $2.3 billion investment into the Territory’s transport infrastructure, and alongside the $480 million Federal Government boost this will deliver stronger, safer and more reliable roads for all Territorians. 

“From major projects on our Territory highways to upgrading and sealing remote and regional roads across the NT, to undertaking future flood resilience for our roads, we are ensuring Territorians stay connected and have access to better and safer roads. 

“This major investment into our roads and transport network will boost training, skills, social and economic opportunities and provide work for Territorians, businesses and suppliers,” Minister for Infrastructure, Planning and Logistics Joel Bowden said. 

Source: Northern Territory Government Newsroom; Big Rigs; Roads Australia; Territory Stories