The Albanese Government is building the Northern Territory's future, today announcing a $200 million investment to upgrade the Stuart Highway.
The Stuart Highway is the major highway running north to south through the heart of Australia. Extending approximately 2700 kilometres, it is a critical corridor for freight and tourism, connecting Darwin to Katherine and Alice Springs, and on to South Australia.
This funding will go towards the progressive duplication of priority sections of the Stuart Highway between Darwin and Katherine, to enhance freight movement and improve road safety.
This new project brings the Australian Government's total investment into the Stuart, Victoria and Barkly Highways to nearly $780 million.
Construction is expected to begin in mid-2026 and finish by mid-2028.
The Albanese Government is also investing a further $58.3 million towards the Carpentaria Highway Upgrade, taking the total Australian Government commitment to $203.3 million.
This additional funding will allow the upgrade of a further 35 kilometres of the Carpentaria Highway.
The project, which is being delivered in partnership with the Northern Territory Government, will deliver upgrades to around 175 kilometres of the Carpentaria Highway, commencing at the Stuart Highway.
This will improve the efficiency, safety and accessibility of the Carpentaria Highway from the Borroloola township in the east, through the Beetaloo Sub-basin to the Stuart Highway in the west.
These projects add to a number of projects already committed to the Stuart Highway, including the $171.8 million Northern Territory National Network Highway Upgrades (Phase 2), which is delivering works such as pavement strengthening, widening and resurfacing, on priority sections of the Stuart, Victoria and Barkly Highways.
The Australian Government's total commitment to the Northern Territory under the Infrastructure Investment Program over the next 10 years, from 2025-26, is $2.8 billion.
Quotes attributable to Federal Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King:
"I'm proud to be part of a Government which is building this country's future, investing in critical freight and transport corridors like the Stuart Highway.
"This will be transformational for both residents and visitors of Darwin and Katherine, making journeys smoother, safer and more enjoyable.
"This is the transport spine of Australia, and we're investing $200 million to get it in good nick."
Quotes attributable to Federal Member for Lingiari Marion Scrymgour:
"This investment in Stuart Highway will ease congestion, increase safety and improve travel times and connectivity across the territory for locals and tourists.
"The Australian Government remains committed to ensuring the future growth and sustainability of remote communities and regional centres across the Northern Territory."
