A contract to upgrade the second of three sections of Main Access Road in the Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara (APY) Lands in far north-western South Australia has been awarded.
Federal Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, Darren Chester, said Toll Mining Services had been awarded a contract for 88km of surface and drainage improvements between Umuwa (Double Tank) and Mimili.
“This project will improve living standards of the local Anangu by improving connections to services and employment opportunities, along with safer roads and reduced vehicle operating costs,” Mr Chester said.
Minister for Transport and Infrastructure, Stephen Mullighan, said the tenders have now been called for the final 66km final section between Mimili and Iwantja (Indulkana).
Federal Member for Grey, Rowan Ramsey, said the second section alone would support an estimated 40 jobs, including around 13 jobs for local Anangu, reflecting the Government’s commitment to Indigenous employment.
“The first section of the upgrade, involving works from Pukatja to Umuwa and from Iwantja to Stuart Highway, is on track for completion by the end of this year,” Mr Ramsey said.
State Member for Giles, Eddie Hughes, said it was good to see the solid progress on upgrading roads on the APY Lands.
“This is a positive project for the APY Lands. Many Anangu are gaining work on the road construction and there will be some really significant long-term safety and access benefits for everyone living on the lands.”
Works on the second section are expected to start in November 2017 with all sections complete by mid-2019. The tender for the final section closes on 16 November 2017.
The Australian Government has committed $85 million toward the $106.25 million Main Access Road Upgrade, with $21.25 million committed by the South Australian Government.
The tender can be accessed here.
