There’s a long way still to go … but the Queensland section of the Outback Way has reached an important milestone with the first 2.5-kilometre section of the Kennedy Developmental Road upgrade between Winton and Boulia now complete.
That portion of road has been widened to an eight-metre sealed standard, with pavement and drainage improvements delivering safer passing opportunities and more reliable two-way travel for motorists and heavy vehicles.
In a further boost for regional connectivity, works will begin this month to seal the remaining 11-kilometre unsealed section of Kennedy Developmental Road between The Lynd and Hughenden.
The project will strengthen flood resilience through road improvements and upgrades to low-level culverts, helping reduce closures during future wet seasons.
Parts of the Outback Way have been pretty rough in the past, but plans are moving ahead to fully seal the iconic route. PIC: Australian Government
The road forms part of the approximately 2,720-kilometre Outback Way, connecting towns like Winton, Alice Springs and Laverton, supporting regional supply chains, tourism and economic activity across central Australia.
Federal Assistant Minister for Regional Development and Senator for Queensland Anthony Chisholm said the investment would bring huge benefits.
“For western Queensland, better roads mean stronger connections between communities, safer freight and livestock movements, more reliable access to essential services and better journeys for the visitors driving the region’s tourism economy,” he said. “As works continue to progress on the remaining priority sections of the Outback Way, this investment will further strengthen vital connections for our freight, livestock, and tourism industries, while ensuring regional communities have dependable access to essential services.”
More than $1.2 billion has been committed to sealing the full Outback Way by 2032.
It is estimated that around 1,161 kilometres remain to be sealed, meaning some 56% of the route is now sealed.
The Outback Highway Development Council (OHDC) Chair, Patrick Hill, says completing the sealing of the Outback Way will be an historic milestone.
“However, the real opportunity lies in ensuring that the communities, businesses and industries along the corridor are equipped to capture the social and economic benefits that will follow,” he said. “The Outback Way has the potential to become far more than a road … with coordinated government action, it can become a catalyst for regional prosperity, stronger communities and greater national resilience.”
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