Tenders have been released for three Peninsula Developmental Roads (PDR) projects, with further works to improve and seal the PDR under the Cape York Region Package set to begin.
The $260.5 million Cape York Region Package is a jointly funded project with the Australian Government contributing $208.4 million and the Queensland Government $52.1 million.
Federal Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Darren Chester said the three sealing projects – South of Duck Holes Creek, 10 Mile Creek and Myall Creek to Rio Boundary – form part of the Australian Government’s record $50 billion infrastructure investment, delivering the infrastructure Australia needs to grow and thrive in the 21st century.
“The PDR is being transformed from a dirt track fraught with difficulties in the wet season to a road network that can be relied upon to support road users and connect Cape York to regional centres,” Mr Chester said.
Queensland Minister for Main Roads and Road Safety Mark Bailey said an average of 72 direct jobs will be supported in 2017 alone on the PDR sealing projects.
“These PDR projects will provide employment opportunities for local workers, businesses, suppliers and training providers,” Mr Bailey said.
“I urge potential contractors and subcontractors to attend the Industry Briefing opportunities planned in Weipa on 10 April 2017, Coen on 11 April 2017 (weather permitting) and Cairns on 12 April 2017 to speak to TMR staff about submitting tenders.”
Federal Member for Leichhardt Warren Entsch said about 24.3km of the PDR would be sealed in 2017 as part of the $260.5 million Cape York Region Package.
“These sealing projects are part of the substantial package of improvements that will better connect remote Cape York communities, benefiting locals, freight operators and tourists,” Mr Entsch said.
Queensland Minister for Local Government and Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships Mark Furner said the PDR projects were expected to support jobs for Indigenous business and local workers, including trainees.
“Job opportunities and economic participation are important for helping to Close the Gap on disadvantage in remote Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities,” Mr Furner said.
“From jobs to infrastructure delivery and connecting communities, every kilometre of bitumen laid on the Peninsula Development Road is making a positive difference to the lives of people on Cape York.”
Tenders for South of Duck Holes Creek and 10 Mile Creek were released on 29 March 2017, and tenders for the third project, Myall Creek to Rio Boundary were released on 31 March 2017.
