Nearly $93 million worth of contracts have been awarded by both the federal and state governments to improve road infrastructure in the Kimberley region.
Nearly $93 million worth of contracts have been awarded by both the federal and state governments to improve road infrastructure in the Kimberley region.
Federal Minister for Infrastructure Anthony Albanese and WA Planning and Infrastructure Minister Alannah MacTiernan announced today that a number of contracts have been awarded to suppliers for roadworks in the region.
The road projects include:
- the upgrade of Great Northern Highway near Colourstone and Derby Highway. Both projects will involve the improvement and upgrade of flood protection and road reconstruction and will be funded by the Australian Government and State Government respectively.
A $7.88million contract has been awarded for this work with the Australian Government contributing $5.25million and the State Government $2.63million;
- the $3.9million Stage Two upgrade of the Blina to Lennard River section of the Gibb River Road. This project will seal approximately 12km of roadway and construct four floodways between the currently sealed section of the roadway and the intersection of the Kimberley Diamond Mine and is part of a $6.5million improvement project.
To date $2.49million worth of contracts have been awarded to facilitate the provision of plant and equipment as well as supply of aggregate and sealing services. The works are being jointly funded, involving a capped $3.25million contribution from the Australian Government, together with $1.75million from the State Government and $1.5million from the Kimberley Diamond Mine; and
- significant improvements to be made to low level bridge crossings replacing low level crossings at Fletchers and Telegraph Creeks, the replacement of an existing sub-standard bridge at Big Mabel Creek and approximately 20km of reconstructured road near Bow River. An $80.8million contract for the works has recently been awarded to Team Savannah, a BGC Contracting and Laing O'Rourke Australia Construction joint venture.
"The latest works we announce today will provide improved access to tourist sites such as Windjana Gorge and Tunnel Creek. They will also improve wet weather access to the Kimberley Diamond Mine, Blina Oil Fields and pastoral stations," Mr Albanese said
"The work undertaken will reduce maintenance costs of the roads and provide improved visibility and safety for road users."
"A shared funding arrangement guarantee's the best possible return on taxpayer dollars and also allows the major stakeholders to benefit from a project that may not have been possible otherwise. I look forward to the benefits that these projects will bring to local industry and the community."
