A tender to upgrade and seal a further 15 kilometres of the Plenty Highway has been awarded for $10 million to Exact Contracting Pty Ltd.

The Plenty Highway, which forms part of the 2,800-kilometre Outback Way, is becoming safer and more reliable during wet weather events thanks to projects like these.

More than 175 local jobs have been created to date and more will be available as additional sections of the Plenty Highway are upgraded to a sealed standard with further funding provided under the National Partnership Agreement.

This project builds on the rolling investment by the Australian and Northern Territory Governments into the Outback Way with a total of $154.55 million committed since 2013.

The partnership between the Australian and Northern Territory Governments identified the Plenty Highway and Tjukaruru Roads as being the highest priority sections in the Northern Territory through the Outback Way Investment Strategy.

The short term priority sections identified in the Outback Way Investment Strategy are now complete with construction now moving into delivering the medium term priorities, providing the benefits of upgrading and sealing Australia’s longest shortcut, sooner.

The $25 million Plenty Highway project includes Australian Government contribution of $20 million and $5 million from the Northern Territory Government.

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

“The Plenty Highway is an important link for inter-state and inter-regional travel. It’s a major freight route in the Northern Territory as well as a part of the Outback Way, which connects Laverton in Western Australia to Winton in Queensland.

“It’s also the third and shortest major road link between Perth and Cairns. The improvements we make on this highway will benefit multiple industry sectors and a growing flow of traffic.

“The upgrades to the Plenty Highway are also a small part of the Federal Government’s plan to develop northern Australia. By unlocking the north’s vast potential, we make the north stronger and that means we make Australia stronger.”

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

“These key infrastructure upgrades have supported more than 175 jobs for Territorians during construction and will continue to create even more.

“This project has seen local residents from Harts Range and a number of local contractors in Central Australia working on this critical access route that benefits communities and the mining, tourism and pastoral sectors.

“These works are improving the flood immunity of the highway; reducing the need for road closures after heavy rainfall and supporting future growth by linking key transport and logistic hubs.”

Senator for the Northern Territory, Dr Sam McMahon:

“Upgrading the Plenty Highway means increased business development opportunities for industry, including the pastoral and tourism sectors. This project acknowledges the good work our farmers do as well as the significant contributions made in tourism and mining.

“It will improve access to remote communities and the time it takes to reach them, thanks to better-quality roads and greater flood immunity in times of rare weather events.

 “An upgraded Plenty Highway will mean a safer road for all who use it, reduced vehicle operating costs for freight and passenger vehicles, and a much more pleasant journey in this amazing part of our country.”

Media Contact:

Mr McCormack — Tess Salmon 0467 740 017 | Hannah Maguire 0429 920 254

Ms Lawler – Ellie Clancy 0436 646 689

Dr McMahon — Brad Gaddes 0419 432 418