$12.95 million contract to local Tennant Creek business Remote Industries Australia to deliver major flood restoration works on the Sandover Highway.
Following initial emergency access repairs, reconstruction works will begin in September and are expected to be completed by June 2027.
The works will restore damaged sections of the highway to pre-flood conditions, including reconstructing and re-sheeting gravel pavement, repairing erosion and drainage infrastructure, and desilting existing drainage systems.
The Finocchiaro CLP Government has awarded a $12.95 million contract to local Tennant Creek business Remote Industries Australia to deliver major flood restoration works on the Sandover Highway.
The 561km corridor is a vital freight, livestock, and community connection between the Plenty Highway to Camooweal. The route suffered extensive damage during Tropical Cyclone Megan in March 2024, with further significant damage caused by the 2025-26 wet season.
Following initial emergency access repairs, reconstruction works will commence in September and are expected to be completed by June 2027.
The Sandover Highway serves as a vital economic and social lifeline for Eastern Barkly homelands and cattle stations, providing critical access for essential services, freight, and livestock transport.
The works will restore damaged sections of the highway to pre-flood conditions, including reconstructing and re-sheeting gravel pavement, repairing erosion and drainage infrastructure, and desilting existing drainage systems.
Member for Namatjira and Minister for Logistics and Infrastructure Bill Yan said improving the Sandover Highway was critical for communities, industry, and freight across the Barkly.
“I know this is a long time coming for the remote communities, local industries, and tourists relying on this road, and we are getting on with the job of repairing it by properly scoping the reconstruction works needed,” Minister Yan said.
“It’s part of our focus on delivering the infrastructure regional Territorians need to live, work, and do business, supported by our $2 billion investment in Territory transport infrastructure.”
Minister Yan noted that additional works are also planned to address separate damage and restore access from earlier this year.
“Some sections of the highway remain closed due to the extensive flood damage suffered earlier this year. Only recently have conditions allowed assessments to be completed and we are prioritising the restoration works needed to reinstate safe and reliable access as soon as possible,” he said.
Member for Barkly and Minister for Housing, Local Government and Community Development Steve Edgington said the works were an important investment in the future of the Barkly and the communities and industries that rely on the Sandover Highway.
“This is great news for the Barkly region as the Sandover Highway is the lifeline of the Eastern Barkly, connecting homeland communities and cattle stations to vital healthcare, education, emergency services and freight,” Minister Edgington said.
“It also keeps the region’s cattle industry moving, supporting jobs, economic growth, and stronger community connections. We are determined to make the Barkly region once again a great place to live, work, visit, and invest.”
The Sandover Highway works form part of the Finocchiaro CLP Government’s significant investment in Territory roads, with Budget 2026-27 delivering more than $2 billion in key transport infrastructure projects to improve safety, reliability, and access across the Territory.
