‘Australia’s Longest Shortcut’ on Priority List

The Outback Way- ‘Australia’s Longest Shortcut’ has been recognised on the 2021 Infrastructure Australia Priority List, announced today.

The Outback Way is 2700km from Laverton WA to Winton Qld- the third transnational link, from Coast to Coast through the heart of the nation. The1200km of remaining gravel is currently being sealed, with a further 100km being sealed this year.

“The inclusion of the Outback Way on the Priority List today is recognition of the significance of what this completed project will do for the nation”, said Mr Patrick Hill – Chairman Outback Highway Development Council Inc (OHDC Inc) and President of the Shire of Laverton.

Infrastructure Projects that assist with National Recovery (Post Covid) have been considered by Infrastructure Australia, as part of the process of identifying the 2021 Infrastructure Priority List.

“The Outback Way is one of the most remote infrastructure projects underway in the nation today, the inclusion on the priority list puts this remote project on the same footing as an extra lane on a highway, it highlights the value of regional infrastructure that links the nation. Roads throughout rural and remote Australia play a key role in freight and logistics efficiencies.” Mr Hill said.

The total GDP value all the Local Government areas across the Outback Way contribute to Australia is $5.5 Billion.

A sealed Outback Way:

• Reduces National Freight time. Light vehicles alone will save 19hrs travel time equating to the cost saving of $703/trip. The 2020 Light vehicle numbers equate to a saving or $20 million per annum for travellers
• Mining potential – 5 Mines operating and developing along and adjacent to the Great Central Road- WA , A sealed Outback Way would reduce the mining freight travel time from 8hrs to 4hrs to travel 300km.
• Sealing the Outback Way will save the livestock industry $2.6 million/year
• Tourism growth with an additional 3000 tourists/ yr to the Goldfields Region this equates to an additional $450,000 into the Laverton community alone.
• A sealed Outback Way will enhance the continuity of health and education services. Currently, the cost of a nationally benchmarked ‘Basket of Goods’ in Warburton (Ngaanyatjarraku Shire Council) sits at 133% higher than goods in towns connected by a sealed road- Warburton.  A sealed road enhances the quality of life and liveability in remote and rural communities. If you can leave- your will stay!

The Outback Highway Development Council Inc. is an Alliance of Councils- Laverton, Ngaanyatjarraku, Alice Springs, Boulia & Winton, relentless in their pursuit of the shared vision-  a sealed Outback Way- enables Australian’s and Australia to thrive.

Source
Outback Highway Development Council