Tenders have been called for the construction of a new section on the Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara (APY) Lands Main Access Road in South Australia. This is part of the $106.25 million upgrade project of the 210-kilometre Main Access Road and 21-kilometre community access road between the Stuart Highway and Pukatja (Ernabella) in the APY Lands.
According to Federal Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Darren Chester, these works will help reduce the possibility of closures across the 88-kilometre stretch of road between Double Tank and Mimili in the far north-west region of South Australia.
“The work will increase the height of the road while also improving its drainage, making it less likely to require closure during flooding. Whether you live in Adelaide or remote South Australia, we believe that access to services and facilities is essential, so we are working to keep the APY Lands Main Access Road open during all seasons and conditions,” Mr Chester said.
Rowan Ramsay, Federal Member for Grey said that the upgrades on the APY Lands Main Access Road are important because it will help improve the living standards of local Anangu.
“By making the road surface smoother, we are making the road safer, cutting travel times for locals and reducing the costly wear and tear to vehicles in this remote part of the country. The upgrade will also provide jobs within the community, which is a significant part of the Australian Government’s commitment to improving living standards in remote parts of Australia,” Mr Ramsey said.
Other works will include some minor road realignment as well as drainage and floodways improvements according to South Australian Transport and Infrastructure Minister Stephen Mullighan.
“As part of this project a minimum of 30 per cent of the total on-site labour hours are required to be undertaken by local Anangu, which means jobs for the local community. The tender will also be assessed in line the state’s Industry Participation Policy which means local South Australian businesses and employees will leverage the maximum benefit available from the project,” Mr Mullighan said.
The tender will close on November 17. Construction is expected to begin in April 2017 and, weather permitting, be completed in early 2018.
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