The Northern Territory Government has released its Budget 2023, committing the most significant investment to roads and transport infrastructure in the territory’s history.
Budget 2023 showcases the Territory Government’s 2023-24 road and transport infrastructure program, which will run in partnership with the Federal Government. It will see an investment of $2.24 billion for roads, aerodromes, jetties and barge landings.
Some of the key upgrading and sealing of roads includes:
- Gas industry roads – $214.8 million
- Tanami Road – $178.1 million
- Central Arnhem Road – $165.6 million
- Buntine Highway – $114 million
- Carpentaria Highway – $90.4 million
- Tiwi Islands road – $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
Northern Territory Treasurer and Minister for Infrastructure, Planning and Logistics, Eva Lawler, said, “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.”
Budget 2023 will also continue to invest in the delivery of the Berrimah Road and Tiger Brennan Overpass with a commitment of $108 million.
The new $415 million Northern Territory Strategic Roads Package was announced in 2022, with the Federal Government committing $332 million and the State Government contributing $83 million.
Works are commencing with a tender already released for construction of the Santa Teresa Road early package. This funding will also see the Mereenie Loop sealed and access to Maningrida, Ramingining and the Milingimbi mainland barge ramps improved.
Sealing Territory roads is a priority for the government to unlock economic opportunities, whether for pastoralists, miners, tourists or locals.
