About the Outback Way                                 The 3rd Strategic Link across the nation

Issue- the need for the upgrade of the Outback Way providing an all weather trans national link from Laverton WA to Winton Qld to provide freight to the Adelaide to Darwin railway, open up mining opportunities, primary production,, value adding & marketing, tourism and access and equity to health and educational services for remote communities. the 2800km link, with 1700km of dirt being transformed into an all weather gravel surface   

Background-The Outback Highway Development Council( OHDC) started in 1997 – to progress the development of this nation building infrastructure. The Development Council incorporates- the Laverton Shire Council, the Shire of Ngaanyatjarraku, the Docker River-Kaltukajara Community, The Alice Springs Town Council, the Boulia Shire Council and the Winton Shire Council.

The total length of the highway is 2800km, linking inter-modal transport hubs, tourist attractions, mining developments, defence sites and offering access and equity for social development of our indigenous communities in the heart of the nation.

Outback Highway Development Council Solution:  A  further funding partnership from all levels of government committing to $93 million to upgrade the road to all weather status. $10million every yr for the next 5yrs, enabling a great  idea to come to fruition.

Enhancement to Federal Policy: The Outback Way will compliment & enhance the viability of the Adelaide to Darwin railway. It will enable primary industries to embrace the new global market place, developing chains with direct access to Asia for products from WA, Qld and NT. The Outback Highway takes 1600km off the current distance across the nation- expediting distribution of fresh produce throughout the nation. It will enable mining developments into the Musgrave ranges.

Component of Federal Funding: $20million will have been spent on upgrading the Outback Way by June 2008, from the combination of funds from all 3 levels of Government The OHDC Inc will continue to seek the further $50million from the Federal Government to continue the project as the road progressively improves, this will be matched by state and local funds aswell.  To upgraded the road to all weather it will cost $93 Million. To have the 1700km sealed it will be $300 million.

Social / Industry/ Infrastructure Outcome: Our isolated and indigenous communities will be able to access regular health & education services. This infrastructure will enhance the economic development of their communities, rejuvenating our indigenous peoples’ confidence in their unique culture. Tourism, Transport, Cattle, Meat, Horticulture, Mining Industries in Central Australia, inland western Australia and Inland Qld – will grow significantly with the opening up of previously unattainable markets or connections. The infrastructure opens up inland WA, Inland Qld and creates an awesome inter-modal transport hub for Central Australia- North, South, East & West.

Position of States and Territories: The States and Territories are acknowledging the importance of the Outback Way as  trans-national link, with the NT expressing interest in initiating an MOU with the other States. WA has been provided extensive funding for the WA section and is keen to work with the OHDC Inc. Qld is very aware of the project and Boulia has managed to work with the Qld government to enhance the funding on the road.