Assistant Minister for Road Safety and Freight Transport, Scott Buchholz this week joined Winton Mayor, Gavin Baskett and Boulia Mayor, Rick Britton to inspect the Outback Way, dubbed ‘Australia’s longest shortcut’.
Mr Buchholz said since coming to Government in 2013, the Morrison LNP Government has committed $330 million to seal and upgrade key sections of the Outback Way as part of a record investment in roads.
“The Morrison Government’s investment in the Outback Way will improve the safety, accessibility, and reliability of one of Australia’s most iconic roads, with our $330 million spend increasing connectivity and reducing travel times.
“Building a better Outback Way, through works to seal and widen the road is unlocking opportunities across Northern and remote Australia.
“Many industries along the corridor are benefitting, including our food and fibre growers, our graziers, our miners, tourism and of course our truck drivers and freighters – who utilise the route to shift the very produce grown and sourced in regional Australia.”
Mr Buchholz said he looks forward to one day taking the drive from Winton to Laverton on the Outback Way.
“Sadly, border restrictions have stopped me from heading all the way across to the Northern Territory and Western Australia this week as I originally intended, but I look forward to coming back soon when restrictions ease.
“In the meantime, our investments in road infrastructure are supporting jobs and the economic recovery from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, including legacy projects such as the Outback Way.
“There is no doubt in my mind, because of these investments important routes such as this will be safer, more resilient and enable more local road trippers and international tourists to come and visit the regions and unearth the magic of our wonderful Outback communities, like Winton,” Mr Buchholz said.
The Outback Way is a 2,720 kilometre route that links Laverton in Western Australia with Winton in Queensland via Alice Springs in the Northern Territory. To learn more about the Australian Government’s investment in The Outback Way, visit: https://investment.infrastructure.gov.au/projects/key-projects/outback-way.aspx
