Upgrade works to the Outback Way, between Boulia and Winton have finally wrapped up, providing greater safety and comfort to all road users.
The completion of this project comes just as $24 million worth of upgrades to widen and seal 30 kilometres of the Richmond-Winton Road has commenced further to the east.
The progressive sealing of the Outback Way was part of the Australian government's $330 million investment to improve the 2700 kilometre stretch of road that connects Winton in Queensland with Laverton, Western Australia.
Dubbed Australia's very own route 66, the Outback Way carves a long path through the heart of Australia, going via the Northern Territory's big red centre.
Helen Lewis, General Manager of the Outback Highway Development Council is thrilled with the progress so far and said they're now over the half way mark, with around 1200km of the entire 2700km stretch of road left to seal.
"It's great for for the mining, cattle, and tourism industries, and excellent for rural and remote communities in these areas."
Queensland Assistant Regional Roads Minister Bruce Saunders said Outback Way works had progressively been delivered across five projects since 2018.
"The final project sealed 25 kilometres between Boulia and Tobermorey and means collectively, the projects paved and sealed 43 kilometres of the Outback Way and widened more than 24 kilometres," he said.
"That makes a huge difference for locals and businesses moving freight because they know there is a safer and more dependable stretch of road between Winton and Boulia.
"More than 90 per cent of the Outback Way in Queensland now fully sealed, which is a great example of what can be accomplished when all levels of government work together."
Queensland has completed a number of projects targeting productivity and safety improvements from Winton through to Tobermorey, which has significantly benefited multiple industries including agriculture, mining and tourism.
Minister for Agriculture and federal Member for Maranoa David Littleproud said in total, $26.45 million for sealing and widening has increased connectivity and reduced travel times.
"This is also an investment in improving access for remote and indigenous communities to health and social services," Mr Littleproud said.
"I am proud to see regional Queensland benefiting from the federal government's record nationwide infrastructure investment."
Queensland Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said the $26 million Outback Way upgrades had been delivered in a solid partnership between all three levels of government.
"The Palaszczuk government is delivering a record $27.5 billion transport and roads investment program over the next four years," Mr Bailey said.
"There are more projects being rolled out on regional roads and highways than ever before thanks to the additional stimulus agreements we've made by working with the federal government to keep our economy moving.
"The projects that have just finished have provided a reliable and continuous flow of work for local government road crews from Boulia and Winton over the past two years, and supported local and regional economies during difficult times, including the emergence and ongoing management of COVID-19."
The federal government contributed more than $21 million to deliver the five projects, with the Queensland Government committing about $3.6 million and Boulia Shire Council about $1.6 million.
