Outback Way receives $100 million

Member for O’Connor, Rick Wilson MP, says the Federal Government’s commitment towards sealing the remainder of the Outback Way vindicates years of hard work.

The Coalition yesterday announced it would commit $100 million to the Outback Way, of which 1700km remained unsealed.

Known colloquially as Australia’s Longest Shortcut, the Outback Way stretches from Laverton in the northern Goldfields to Winton in far north Queensland.

Mr Wilson has been a strong advocate for sealing the Outback Way, attending forums and arranging meetings between Outback Way Development Council chairman Patrick Hill and key Government Ministers in Canberra.

“I’m delighted that the Coalition has given this commitment to the Outback Way, which starts in Laverton in the far north of O’Connor,” Mr Wilson said.

“We pushed hard for this project to be recognised as integral to northern Australia’s future and that work has paid off.

“Sealing this route is extremely important for not only O’Connor but the entire northern half of Australia, as it serves as a key link between WA, the Northern Territory and Queensland.

“The Coalition has previously supported this project in conjunction with State and Territory Governments, so this latest commitment continues a pattern of support for key regional roads.”

“I’m extremely grateful and thankful for the commitment the Coalition has provided in the upcoming election,” Outback Way Development Council Chairman Patrick Hill said.

“Rick Wilson’s given a lot of support to this project, organising meetings and pushing the case for the Outback Way in Canberra.

“It will provide a huge social benefit to the communities along the route and an economic boost for industries throughout central Australia.

“It will also help reduce transport costs across the country.”