The Minns and Albanese Labor Governments have partnered with Balranald Shire Council to deliver a major road upgrade which is improving safety and access to the World Heritage Mungo National Park and Willandra Lakes Region.
Marma Box Creek Road is a critical link to the World Heritage listed sites in remote south-western New South Wales and historically, around 26 kilometres of the road was dirt.
Now thanks to a $3.25 million investment from the NSW Government's Fixing Local Roads program and $900,000 from Balranald Shire Council, a 23.1 kilometre stretch of the road has been sealed.
Additionally, with investment from the Australian Government's Roads to Recovery program of over $1.35 million, council is working to seal the final 2.9 kilometres of Marma Box Creek Road before the end of 2025, weather permitting.
These upgrades will significantly reduce road closures during wet weather and improve safety for local farmers, families and school students.
Tourists who visit the site will also benefit from safer journeys in the world-famous region where Mungo Lady and Mungo Man were discovered.
For the Mutthi Mutthi, Paakantji and Ngyimpaa people, the 40,000-year-old remains, and other evidence of their ancestors found in the area are an important part of their communal history.
The remains of Mungo Lady were returned to Lake Mungo in 1992, while Mungo Man's remains were repatriated in 2017, both via Marma Box Creek Road.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Jenny Aitchison:
"The upgraded Marma Box Creek Road represents more than just improved tourism and freight infrastructure; it signifies a crucial link to the ancient cultural heritage of First Peoples.
"This investment not only enhances access to the area but also supports the preservation and sharing of Indigenous history dating back over 40,000 years.
"By facilitating safer and more accessible travel, this initiative promises to enrich tourism experiences and foster greater appreciation for the profound cultural significance of this unique landscape."
Quotes attributable to Deborah O'Neill, Senator for New South Wales:
"This is a very special part of the world and a place that all Australians can be proud of.
"The Australian Government's Roads to Recovery program provides critical funding directly to local councils for maintenance and upgrades like these works for Marma Box Creek Road. Investments like this mean better local roads for residents, and for tourists - and less pressure on councils and ratepayers."
Quotes attributable to Member for Murray, Helen Dalton:
"Government investment in maintaining and upgrading rural and remote transport infrastructure is vital to keeping our communities connected, and for their economic growth. It's reassuring to see continued investment in rural and remote NSW.
"Mungo National Park is a spectacular location in my electorate, a significant cultural site and hidden gem.
"It's fantastic that the government is making this incredible part of the world more accessible for us to improve our knowledge of the heritage, culture and history of our First Nations people."
Quotes attributable to Balranald Shire Council Mayor, Cr Louie Zaffina:
"This road is 'the gateway' to major tourism attractions in the area and an integral freight route for the area's mining interests and local farms.
"Ensuring the road's safety and resilience supports the longevity of the significant economic benefits and employment opportunities that are fed back into the nearby communities through these industries."
Quotes attributable to Tanya Charles, Discovery Ranger at Mungo National Park:
"The improved all weather access to Mungo National Park and the Willandra Lakes World Heritage Area brings added safety for visitors, tour operators, local and staff using the new road."
