NT Govt releases record investment for road & transport infrastructure

The Northern Territory Government has released its State Budget 2023 that showcases the 2023-24 road and transport infrastructure program – in partnership with the Australian Government – that will deliver $2.24 billion for roads, aerodromes, jetties and barge landings. 

This significant budget shows the Territory Government’s commitment to improving state roads and transport infrastructure. 

The majority of this significant investment is supported by the National Partnership Agreement on Land Transport Infrastructure Projects. 

“Better roads across the Territory means a better economy, it means safer trips to work, and it means more reliable access for regional communities. 

“The Territory is leading the way in the roads and transport infrastructure sector and this is backed up by the continuous support from the Commonwealth. 

“This is a significant announcement which will enable major growth right across the Territory and is another step towards our goal of a $40 billion economy by 2030,” Treasurer and Minister for Infrastructure, Planning and Logistics Eva Lawler said. 

Key project supported through this national partnership between the Northern Territory and Australian Governments include: 

• Upgrading and sealing of: 

• Gas industry roads to support economic development - $214.8 million 
• Tanami Road - $178.1 million 
• Central Arnhem Road - $114 million 
• Carpentaria Highway - $90.4 million 
• Tiwi Islands roads - $69.3 million 
• Kakadu National Park roads - $67.3 million 
• Port Keats Road - $60.2 million 
• Outback Way - $42 million 
• Arnhem Highway - $10.7 million 

• Roads of Strategic Importance priority project - $178.4 million 
• Northern Territory National Network Highway Upgrades Program - $157.9 million 
• Road Safety Program - $91.8 million 
• Northern Territory Strategic Roads Package - $43.8 million 
• Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program - $17.2 million 
• Regional Roads Productivity Package - $16 million 

The Budget also includes a $108.2 million to continue the construction of a new overpass at the Tiger Brennan Drive and Berrimah Road intersection along with a $20 million commitment to get works on an upgrade at Phelp River Crossing, including new waterway structures along Numbulwar Road. 

Other major works funded by the Territory Government through the 2023-24 Budget include continuing the lock replacement at Frances Bay Mooring Basin with a $13.8 million funding and the construction of a new marine facility at Mandorah with a $46.6 million investment. 

Works will also continue to progress in 2023-24 on the ship lift facility that includes an allocation of $358.5 million, with the balance of the project cost to carry over in the coming years of its delivery. 

In addition, capital grants totalling $6.3 million are provided for the common user facility at Melville Bay and works under the Black Spot Program. 

Works are also progressing on the $415 million NT Strategic Roads Package that was announced last year, with a tender already released for the construction of the Santa Teresa Road early package. This significant investment will also get works underway to seal the Mereenie Loop and improve the Maningrida, Ramingining and the Milingimbi mainland barge ramps. 

Source: Northern Territory Government Newsroom; Northern Territory Government – NT Budget 2023; Infrastructure Magazine; Roads & Infrastructure Australia