Sealed road improves wet-season access for far north township

Residents of Hope Vale will have improved road access this wet season due to the completion of upgrading and sealing works on a 3.6km section of road in the far north Queensland township.

Main Roads Minister Warren Pitt travelled to Hope Vale today to inspect the recently completed $2.9 million upgrade to McIvor Road.

“The upgrading and bitumen sealing of this section of road between Battle Camp turnoff and Palm Creek, south of Hope Vale, will greatly improve access during this wet season,” Mr Pitt said.

“This means the delivery of essential services and fuel to Hope Vale will be more consistent during heavy rain periods. School children and workers travelling to Cooktown will also experience fewer wet-season delays.”

The project, completed last month, was a joint initiative between Main Roads, the Australian Government and the Department of Employment and Industrial Relations.

The Australian Government contributed $1.4 million towards this project through the Indigenous Environmental Health and Infrastructure Program. The Queensland Government provided $1.51 million through Main Roads’ Transport Infrastructure Development Scheme and $85,000 through the Department of Employment and Industrial Relations for trainee wages.

Mr Pitt said members of the Hope Vale community gained valuable job skills and experience working on the project, through on-the-job training provided by Main Roads’ Remote Communities Service Unit.

“The unit works with communities to provide valuable work experience and training in road maintenance activities, plant maintenance and operation, and other civil construction skills,” he said.

“A total of 11 trainees from Hope Vale worked on this project since construction commenced in October 2007. The trainees obtained skills in civil construction, traffic control and surveying, as well as obtaining licences and plant tickets.”

The trainees were presented with certificates of recognition at a community expo at Hope Vale last Friday.

Media contact: Minister Pitt’s Office 3227 8819