Widening works complete on Kennedy Developmental Road

Almost 3.5 kilometres of the Kennedy Developmental Road in north Queensland has been sealed and widened under the Northern Australia Roads Program (NARP), improving safety for all drivers in the region.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Barnaby Joyce said the $3.32 million project had improved the section between Mount Garnet and The Lynd, and its completion was a milestone for the flagship NARP funding program.

“This project demonstrates the Australian Government is getting on with the job of developing the north,” Mr Joyce said.

“The Australian and Queensland governments have worked with the Flinders and Etheridge Shire councils to ensure there were employment and training opportunities for local Indigenous workers, businesses and suppliers during the project.”

Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said the Kennedy Developmental Road investment would benefit more than just motorists and freight operators.

“NARP investment was also recently responsible for over 42 kilometres of road sealing between The Lynd and Hughenden, which will support 120 direct jobs over the life of the project,” Mr Bailey said.

“The recent works between Mt Garnet and The Lynd will help boost economic confidence in North Queensland by creating jobs and improving access to services.”

Federal Minister for Resources and Northern Australia Matt Canavan said the $600 million NARP was funding much-needed upgrades to high-priority roads across Northern Australia.

“These roads are the lifeblood of the North.  The upgrades will make it easier to move freight across the vast distances of the North to support new economic development in Northern Australia,” Senator Canavan said.

“This project in particular is great news for the beef industry, which is one of the most important contributors to our economy.”

The Australian Government has committed $2.66 million toward the $3.32 million Kennedy Developmental Road (Mount Garnet – The Lynd) upgrade, with the Queensland Government providing the remaining $660,000.

More information on the NARP is available at: investment.infrastructure.gov.au/infrastructure_investment/northern_australia_roads.aspx.

ENDS

Media contact for Minister Bailey: Dominic Geiger, 0447355565