General News
3 July, 2024
Backed by Canberra, Outback Way will transform economy: Boulia mayor
It's only a matter of 'when' for the Outback highway to be fully sealed.
Rick Britton says while he doesn’t normally drink, he plans to pour a glass of red and toast the future of the Outback Way road corridor following a community benefits forum in Canberra this week.
The Boulia Shire mayor said it had been a bumpy ride as the five council members from Queensland, Northern Territory and Western Australia worked for more than a quarter of a century to bring about the Outback Way proposal, which will seal 2700km of highway linking Winton to Laverton via Alice Springs and Uluru.
But with the project now receiving bi-partisan support in federal parliament and funding secured to seal the 1000km of remaining roadway, attention has now turned towards how adjacent communities can reap the full economic benefits of a highway that some say could one day rival America’s famed Route 66 for bucket list inspiration.
Cr Britton said he was confident that transformational infrastructure was under construction.
“There is light at the end of the tunnel – and it’s not a train,” he told North West Weekly.
“We started with a billy goat track and now we have a large percentage of that road sealed.”
“For the last 26 years we have been thinking mostly about the 45,000 people who live along the corridor between Winton and Laverton.
“But this forum has really demonstrated that the road is about more than just 45,000 people – this is a genuine, nation-building piece of infrastructure. This is for the benefit of all Australians.
“The GDP across this network is about $5.5 billion now – we need to imagine what a sealed road would contribute to the national economy.”
Cr Britton, who is also Outback Way Development Council (OHDC) deputy chair, has dedicated a large portion of his 15 years as Boulia Shire mayor to laying the groundwork for the arrival of the completed Outback Way corridor, which is currently expected by 2032.
Under his stewardship, Boulia Shire has commenced planning and construction for spelling yards for both organic and non-organic cattle, a transport hub and adjoining industrial estate alongside expansion plans at the motel and a new housing estate for workers.
He said businesses should be following the council’s example and start planning for the increase in road trains, freight trucks and tourist convoys that will become regular fixtures in the township.
“If you’re thinking about investing in a roadhouse or a motel or an industrial estate – those in the know should be preparing now for when that road is fully sealed,” Cr Britton said.
“I want to encourage people to start thinking about these things – we’ve got the money, the road is going to be sealed and we have a timeframe to completion. So I want people to be asking themselves what they need to be getting into place now to enhance their business.”
Cr Britton joined about 60 industry and government stakeholders in Canberra at the weekend to workshop what was required to capitalise on the potential community benefits.
OHDC general manager Mel Forbes said the forum was focused on ‘next step’ planning for adjoining and complementary infrastructure and projects.
“After 26 years of lobbying and advocating the funding is now secured so the focus now turns to its delivery,” she said.
“But a road doesn’t sit in isolation – it’s about the industry, people and towns that this project will support. This forum is about focusing on the benefits the road will bring to the people on the ground.”
“We want to put together the pieces of the puzzle so we know the next steps we should follow.”
A final report will be collated in the coming weeks using the feedback from the two days of deliberations and discussions that will be integrated into future lobbying efforts and information campaigns.
Speaking at the forum, Senator Susan McDonald said, as Australia’s third trans-continental route, the Outback Way would provide economic benefits and greater supply chain security.
“There is a confidence that when we change this road, we change the regional system, and change the nation,” she said.
“It is a dynamic proposition and we are at the threshold point of great progress that will open up the whole country.”