One of the most loved destinations in the Territory will be upgraded to ensure year-round road access.

Litchfield National Park is one of the region’s most popular parks with about 340,000 visitors per year. It is projected the park will create more than $14 million annually in economic benefits to the Territory once the final stage is complete.

Local company Ostojic Group has been awarded the $26 million contract to construct a new bridge over the Lower Finniss River and complete the upgrade and sealing of the last 12 kilometres of Litchfield Park Road – completing the loop road. The project will support 80 local jobs.

These upgrades are essential to ensure the road is opened during the wet season where normally it may be closed for long periods of time.

The Northern Territory Government has been working with Traditional Owner groups to ensure their engagement in the project and to provide jobs to local Aboriginal people who have a strong connection to the area.

Litchfield Park Road has been progressively upgraded and sealed over a number of years to improve flood immunity, road safety and increase access for remote communities and towns in Litchfield Park and surrounds.

The Northern Territory Government has contributed [$39 million] to the entire project and the Australian Government has made available $5.7 million as part of the Asset Recycling Initiative.

For more information go to www.dipl.nt.gov.au

Quotes from the Minister for Infrastructure, Planning and Logistics, Eva Lawler:

“Our priority is creating jobs for Territorians. This project is supporting 80 local jobs and once complete it will support further tourism opportunities as well as the cattle industry.

“Completing this final stage will improve road safety and flood immunity in the wet season and ensure critical access is provided all year round – boosting tourism, pastoral and agricultural industries”

Quotes from the Minister for Tourism, Sport and Culture, Lauren Moss:

“Litchfield National Park is a key driver of tourism and jobs for the Top End and Batchelor region and the upgrades improve safety and ensure year-round access which is great for local businesses and visitors.

“These works build on the Northern Territory Government’s $17.5 million Turbocharging Tourism investment in Litchfield National Park that is opening up new visitor offerings including stunning new swimming spots, 4wd tracks, new campgrounds and more picnic areas in one of Australia’s most spectacular landscapes.”

Quotes from Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack:

“No matter where you live, the Federal Government is investing to help you get home sooner and safer, and this is yet another part of that vision.”

Quotes from Senator-elect for the Northern Territory Dr Sam McMahon:

“Safer roads not only save lives. They create jobs and opportunities in communities big and small across the Territory and I am excited to see local jobs and opportunities at the forefront on this project.”