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Budget 2007/08 will deliver $57 million for repairs and maintenance of Territory roads next financial year – an increase of $7.5 million this year.

 

Chief Minister Clare Martin and Infrastructure and Transport Minister, Delia Lawrie announced the funding as part of a record $180 million package for roads across the NT.

 

“This Budget delivers for the future of Territory roads – over the next four years an extra $35 million will be invested in repairs and maintenance,” Ms Martin said.

 

“This will ensure Territory roads are improved and maintained at a high standard.”

 

Minister Lawrie said the money is a mixture of funds directly from the Martin Government and from the Australian Government.

 

“This is both a massive program and a very significant ongoing plan for repairing and upgrading our roads,” Ms Lawrie said.

 

Road spending will be spread right across the Territory:

 

In Central Australia, the total repairs and maintenance program will be $15.8 million including $500,000 for the Santa Teresa Road, which will come on top of:

 

·           $10 million already spent on the Red Centre Way, $16.5 million being spent now and a        further $15 million programmed for 2008-09

·           $2 million for upgrading and sealing priority sections of the Tanami Road

·           $500 000 for upgrading the Sandover Highway

·           $300 000 to complete about 20kms of the Maryvale Road; and

·           $1.74 million to upgrade the Outback Way, including work to the Plenty Highway.

 

In the Darwin region a $10 million start will be made on the $64 million extension and expansion of Tiger Brennan Drive.

 

$2.5 million will also be spent improving access to the Darwin High Middle School.

 

 

In the Katherine region:

 

·           $50 million will be spent upgrading the Victoria Highway and building six high level bridges under the Auslink program

·           $800 000 will be spent upgrading the Buntine Highway

 

$15 million will be spent on the Port Keats Road, following an extra $5 million matching funds from the Commonwealth.

 

Another $5 million will be spent under various programmes on the National Highway Network.

 

Ms Lawrie said our roads support business in the bush, and those who live in remote communities and on pastoral properties.

 

“The mining, tourism and cattle industries all benefit from our investment.”

 

Media Contact: Richard O’Leary 040111 9586

                         Nikola Lekias 0438 323660