Buntine Highway investment strategy

The Australian and Northern Territory Governments are upgrading the Buntine Highway.

This is a $125 million project, jointly funded over ten years from 2019 ($100 million from the Australian Government and $25 million from the Northern Territory Government).

Aim

The upgrades will improve access for remote communities in the Katherine and Victoria River regions to:

• health and education services
• fresh produce
• job opportunities
• social and cultural connections.

Upgrading the Buntine Highway will also assist in the growth and future development of industries such as tourism, mining and the pastoral sector along the corridor.

The overall objectives for the upgrade of the Buntine Highway are to:

• increase safety
• support regional and local economic development
• improve freight efficiency, connectivity and travel time
• support Indigenous employment
• respect culture and country.

The funding available will address key priorities along the route.

Strategy development

An investment strategy is required to identify priority works for delivery, so that currently available funding is utilised in the most cost effective manner, delivering on the most immediate benefits.

Engineering consultant GHD is assisting in the development of the investment strategy.

Stakeholder input is invited on its development.

Project update

Design tenders has been awarded for two sections of the Buntine Highway.

For chainage 0-26.5 km:

• awarded to BTO Pty Ltd for $318,000
• estimated completion of design is Q1 2024.

For chainage 256.5-300 km:

• awarded to FYFE Pty Ltd for $703,000
• estimated completion of design is Q1 2024

Contact

For more information or to submit your feedback, contact the Stakeholder Engagement Manager at transport.planning@nt.gov.au or 8924 7118.