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Territory bemoans lack of funding for key routes

The Northern Territory Government has bemoaned a lack of federal investment in key transport routes

By Ruza Zivkusic-Aftasi | June 7, 2013

The Northern Territory Government has bemoaned a lack of federal investment in key transport routes, saying poor quality roads are pushing up freight costs.

A spokesman for the Government has expressed disappointment over a lack of funding. The federal-owned Barkly, Stuart and Victoria Highways received no funding for upgrades in this year’s Federal Budget, according to the spokesman, who claims $230 million has been stripped away.

“The majority of the money cut is to the national highways – that’s the main arterial lifeblood for the Territory. That’s how you get out of this place,” the spokesman says.

“Trucks that are travelling on poor quality roads that aren’t maintained properly will have their costs go up that are (then) passed on to consumers. They’re also delayed, which means that the opportunity for fresh food and vegetables (takes) longer and longer.

“There’s a whole effect across the economy and by cutting that funding means there’s not one dollar for new projects on the national highway network – there’s no strengthening, widening, flood immunity, overtaking lanes – none of those projects that are so desperate to keep the road in a condition that can sustain the transport industry.”

Read the full story in the August edition of ATN.

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