Works will begin soon on sealing another section of the Peninsula Development Road (PDR) following the announcement of the successful tenderer for the project.
Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Darren Chester said the project will seal 4.6 kilometres of the PDR between Little Laura and Fairview.
“This is a continuation of major works designed to improve the ability of locals, freight transport operators and tourists to access Cape York,” Mr Chester said.
“Sealing works like these will literally pave the way for better regional economic outcomes in Cape York, well into the future.”
Queensland Minister for Main Roads and Road Safety Mark Bailey said since the rollout of the Cape York Region Package in 2014, we’ve added 78.5 kilometres of bitumen to the PDR.
“Another 51 kilometres is yet to be sealed in 2016,” Mr Bailey said.
“This means improved safety and travelling conditions for road users.”
Federal Member for Leichhardt Warren Entsch said Weipa-based NQ Civil Engineering Contracting Pty Ltd has been awarded the contract for the Little Laura to Fairview project.
“This is the fourth sealing project to be awarded on the PDR this year through the Cape York Region Package and it is fantastic to see another business based on the Cape be appointed as the principle contractor,” Mr Entsch said.
“This is great news for the Cape York community.”
Queensland Treasurer and Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships Curtis Pitt said the PDR sealing projects provide welcome employment opportunities across the remote region.
“These projects have been an enormously successful employer in some of the most remote and disadvantaged regions of Cape York,” Mr Pitt said.
“Regional businesses have had sub-contracting opportunities and the on-the-job-training across a range of skills and positions has been invaluable for the local indigenous and non-indigenous workers who’ve gained employment.
“An average of 180 direct jobs will be supported over the life of the four projects awarded this year.”
The $260.5 million Cape York Region Package is jointly funded with the Australian Government providing $208.4 million and the Queensland Government providing $52.1 million.
