Sealing works on the Peninsula Developmental Road in Cape York are set to keep rolling with tenders open for a new project on the Cape’s most critical road link.
The project will be delivered as part of the Australian Government’s Roads of Strategic Importance Cooktown to Weipa Corridor.
Federal Leichhardt MP Warren Entsch said the new tender for sealing works had come at the perfect time.
He said the new sealing project, starting about 36 kilometres north of Laura, will maintain the momentum of the current Cape York Region Package.
“The current Cape York Region Package has already delivered 173 kilometres over 18 sections between Laura and the Rio Tinto Boundary, south of Weipa,” Mr Entsch said.
“Each sealed section has improved connectivity between communities, accessibility to essential services and significantly improved access to Cape York for freight, tourists and other road users.
“It has literally opened up the region to the world but more importantly, improved the way of life for countless Cape York residents.”
Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack said tenders had opened for the $23.84 million, 11.2-kilometre Kennedy to Rocky Creek project.
“The PDR is a critical link throughout Cape York Peninsula, with local communities relying on it for connectivity, access to essential health and well-being services, freight, education and cultural purposes, Mr McCormack said.
“It is vital our governments continue to invest in the Cape York region to drive economic growth and regional development and to provide greater opportunities for Indigenous and remote communities.”
Queensland Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said PDR sealing projects had employed more than 321 Indigenous personnel and more than $42 million worth of work was completed by Indigenous businesses.
“New sealing projects like this will build on the achievements generated through the initial $276 million, five year CYRP and continue to support community and economic growth for generations to come,” Mr Bailey said.
“This second package of works will continue to deliver employment, training and economic opportunity for the people of Cape York.
“These skills and economic opportunities don’t just build roads – they also build social and economic opportunity for the people of Cape York, on country.”
Queensland Cook MP Cynthia Lui said the new sealing project would continue to improve accessibility to Cape York as well as education, training, employment and economic opportunities for local communities.
“We’re excited to begin the tender process and continue to provide projects in Cape York that make a real difference to the communities up there,” Ms Lui said.
“I am glad we’ve been able to agree on seeing joint funding flow sooner for the next package of works so we can keep sealing the road to Weipa and make the road safer for locals and visitors to the Cape.”
Tenders for the Rocky Creek project can be submitted at hpw.qld.gov.au/bas/etender/
Tenders close on 4 February 2020 with award of tenders expected in April.
The project will then enter into wet season suspension with construction expected to start late May, weather permitting.
The $237.5 million Cooktown to Weipa ROSI Corridor is jointly funded with the Australian Government contributing $190 million and the Queensland Government contributing $47.5 million.
For more information about the Cooktown to Weipa Corridor, please visit the website: https://investment.infrastructure.gov.au/projects/ProjectDetails.aspx?Project_id=100535-18QLD-RSI
For more information about the CYRP, please visit the website: http://www.tmr.qld.gov.au/Projects/Name/C/Cape-York-Region-Package-Peninsula-Developmental-Road.aspx
