Transport Minister Rita Saffioti was in the Kimberley region today to view progress on a number of important road infrastructure projects currently underway.
The McGowan Government has created a $400 million pipeline of road infrastructure upgrades that are currently underway or starting soon.
The collection of projects will improve safety and efficiency across the Kimberley region’s road network, while providing certainty for local businesses and creating hundreds of local jobs.
The recently secured funding partnership with the Australian Government to boost the Regional Road Safety Improvement Program, will see over 100 kilometres of Great Northern Highway upgraded across the region.
Works will begin next month with $12 million from the program allocated towards widening, shoulder sealing and audible edge line installation on five separate sections of the highway, including the section directly south of Broome Road.
The treatments are known to greatly reduce the number of ‘run off road’ crashes, which can result in severe trauma and are most common in regional areas.
Other road projects currently underway or planned in the Kimberley region include:
- $65.66 million Broome Cape Leveque Road Project: Works to construct and seal the last remaining section of red dirt road between Broome and One Arm Point commenced in 2018 with 32 kilometres of new road now open to traffic, and the remaining 58 kilometres expected to open by the end of 2020.
- $98.14 million Great Northern Highway Ord River North Project: 18 kilometres of upgrade works are planned to be undertaken in 2021 and 2022, including widening, overlay, reconstruction and realignment works and replacement of Tickalara and Frog Hollow Bridges. Eight kilometres of widening, overlay, reconstruction and realignment works were completed in 2019.
- Gibb River Road Upgrade: Works continue to improve and seal targeted high priority sections of the 647 kilometre Gibb River Road between Derby and Wyndham. Works in 2020 include $8.5 million to upgrade and seal the remaining 27 kilometre unsealed section of road between Derby and Windjana Gorge and the 25 kilometre unsealed section between El Questro and the Pentecost River.
- $25.9 million Great Northern Highway – Broome to Derby Upgrade: Currently in development, the project will see two sections of Great Northern Highway upgraded. A 15 kilometre section at Deep Creek is due to commence in 2021, and reconstruction of a further 15 kilometres at Logue River is planned for 2022.
- $51 million Duncan/Gordon Downs Road Upgrade: Upgrades to two local roads in partnership with Shire of Halls Creek. Once completed, the upgrades will provide access to the community at Ringers Soak and Northern Minerals Browns Range heavy earth minerals mine, approximately 160 kilometres south-east of Halls Creek. The project commenced in 2019 and is due for completion in 2022.
- $42.75 million Tanami Road Upgrade: Currently in development, Main Roads is working with the Northern Territory and the Shire of Halls Creek to define the scope, priorities, and the overall upgrading strategy for this new east-west link into the State. The 311 kilometre section in WA, is unsealed and is owned of the Shire of Halls Creek. Construction on the first 20 kilometre section near Halls Creek is anticipated to commence in 2022.
These works will complement other initiatives announced as part of the $110.9 million Kimberley Recovery Plan, which is aimed at supporting and strengthening existing industries, as well as laying the foundation for jobs of the future.
As stated by Transport Minister Rita Saffioti:
“I love visiting the picturesque Kimberley region and seeing all the major road projects being delivered.
“We currently have around $400 million worth of road projects and upgrades either underway or planned, supporting hundreds of local jobs and providing opportunities for local businesses.
“Since 2017, the McGowan Government has committed more than $400 million to upgrading and building road infrastructure across the Kimberley region.
“In particular I am proud of the focus we have on increasing Aboriginal employment and participation across our projects, providing training and opportunities which provide long-term benefits.
“Starting next month five sections of Great Northern Highway will be upgraded through the Regional Road Safety Program, with $12 million allocated to upgrade the road with shoulder sealing and the installation of audible edge lines.
“We worked hard to negotiate this partnership with the Commonwealth Government and I’m pleased to see this commencing so quickly, supporting local jobs and upgrading safety on our regional roads.”
As stated by Kimberley MLA Josie Farrer:
“I’m proud to be a part of the McGowan Government that is continuing to deliver for the people of the Kimberley.
“These major road projects are providing local jobs and training opportunities as well as opportunities for local businesses.
“I’m looking forward to seeing the Regional Road Safety Program Works on Great Northern Highway commence next month.”
