Works to seal a 40-kilometre section of Western Australia’s Great Central Road is now underway, marking another milestone on the long-term project to upgrade Australia’s longest shortcut – the Outback Way.
“Pre-construction works to source gravel and water are well underway with the construction team preparing to start works on the first section 11 kilometres east of Laverton.
“The project includes the reconstruction and sealing the road surface, which will ultimately form part of the longer-term upgrade of the Outback Way,” Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said.
This $46.5 million project will link Laverton in the Goldfields region of Western Australia with Alice Springs in the Northern Territory, which will ultimately connect to Winton in Queensland.
“We are continuing to roll out these types of major projects right across the country under our $100 billion infrastructure investment pipeline, which is supporting jobs and communities at a time when it’s needed most,” Mr McCormack added.
Upgrading the Great Central Road will significantly improve access for local Aboriginal communities and industry as well as provide a great Aussie outback experience.
In May of this year, the Wongutha Way Alliance – a joint venture between CareyMC Pty Ltd and Central Earthmoving Company Pty Ltd – was awarded a $20 million contract to deliver this project.
“I’m pleased to see the work being undertaken by the Wongutha Way Alliance to maximise the employment of local Aboriginal people.
“Aboriginal employment is expected to well exceed the WA Government’s nine per cent target for Aboriginal participation within the Goldfields.
“This project embodies our commitment to providing long-term, sustainable employment opportunities for Western Australians in the most remote parts of WA,” Minister for Transport and Planning Rita Saffioti said.
According to Federal Member for O’Connor Rick Wilson, the Outback Way has had poor road standards and is deemed unreliable and unsafe. By sealing the road, it will help address these problems.
“Many of the unsealed roads along the Outback Way suffer from corrugation, loose rocks and potholes and can be susceptible to flooding and wash-outs.
“Sections of the route have limited signage, which contributes to safety concerns. Heavy vehicle traffic along the route can also result in increased road damage,” Mr Wilson said.
The Great Central Road sealing project is jointly funded by the Australian and Western Australian Governments, each contributing $37.2 million and $9.3 million respectively.
Works are due to be completed by mid-2021 and a further 40-kilometre section is also set to be upgraded in 2021-22.
Source: Government of Western Australia (1, 2); Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development