Road improvements have been the major focus of the Big Rivers region in the NT Government's 2022-23 Budget, which was released this morning.
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A total of $138.8 million has been pledged to improve roads of "strategic importance" which includes:
- $104.6 million for new and continuing works to upgrade key roads to support the development of gas resources in and around the Beetaloo Sub-basin
- $25.7 million for new and continuing works to upgrade the Newman to Katherine corridor. Upgrades include sealing, strengthening and widening the road and road safety improvements
- $8.5 million for continuing works to seal the Roper Highway
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Another $225.9 million will go towards upgrading major roads including:
- $83.1 million for new and continuing works under the Buntine Highway upgrade program, expected to be completed in mid 2024
- $142.8 million for continuing works to upgrade the Carpentaria Highway. Construction is expected to be completed by mid 2026
Other major projects for the region include the assignment of $26 million over three years to support the development of Katherine East, with work set to start in the first quarter of 2023.
Flood mitigation works in Katherine received $24.5 million in funding, while the Katherine Women's Crisis Centre received a $3 million COVID support measure.
The NT Government, alongside the McArthur River Mine Community Benefits Trust and the Roper Gulf Regional Council, have pledged $6.9 million for Borroloola's Sports Courts and Cyclone Shelter, with construction already underway.
The funding for the recently upgraded Mimi Aboriginal Art and Craft centre was mentioned in the budget as a part of the Government's Arts Trail Regional Gallery Extension Program, with the Godinymayin Yijard Rivers Arts and Culture Centre also receiving a $4.5 million upgrade.
Around $2.1 million will go towards finalising police housing for staff at the Ngukurr police station.
A total of $43.5 million was assigned to establishing logistics hubs across the NT, including in Katherine.
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