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To check for the latest on closed roads and road conditions in any area, see the state by state links to Road Conditions. These cover main roads only. Many local roads are under the control of local Shires.
Due to the lack of interest, Parks and Road closures are no longer being regularly updated, allowing us more time to write travelogues and helpful informative articles.
The Outback Way is 2700km from Laverton WA to Winton Qld- the third transnational link, from Coast to Coast through the heart of the nation. The1200km of remaining gravel is currently being sealed, with a further 100km being sealed this year.
“The inclusion of the Outback Way on the Priority List today is recognition of the significance of what this completed project will do for the nation”, said Mr Patrick Hill – Chairman Outback Highway Development Council Inc (OHDC Inc) and President of the Shire of Laverton.
Infrastructure Projects that assist with National Recovery (Post Covid) have been considered by Infrastructure Australia, as part of the process of identifying the 2021 Infrastructure Priority List.
“The Outback Way is one of the most remote infrastructure projects underway in the nation today, the inclusion on the priority list puts this remote project on the same footing as an extra lane on a highway, it highlights the value of regional infrastructure that links the nation. Roads throughout rural and remote Australia play a key role in freight and logistics efficiencies.” Mr Hill said.
The total GDP value all the Local Government areas across the Outback Way contribute to Australia is $5.5 Billion.
A sealed Outback Way –
• Reduces National Freight time. Light vehicles alone will save 19hrs travel time equating to the cost saving of $703/trip. The 2020 Light vehicle numbers equate to a saving or $20 million per annum for travellers
• Mining potential – 5 Mines operating and developing along and adjacent to the Great Central Road- WA , A sealed Outback Way would reduce the mining freight travel time from 8hrs to 4hrs to travel 300km.
• Sealing the Outback Way will save the livestock industry $2.6 million/year
• Tourism growth with an additional 3000 tourists/ yr to the Goldfields Region this equates to an additional $450,000 into the Laverton community alone.
• A sealed Outback Way will enhance the continuity of health and education services. Currently, the cost of a nationally benchmarked ‘Basket of Goods’ in Warburton (Ngaanyatjarraku Shire Council) sits at 133% higher than goods in towns connected by a sealed road- Warburton. A sealed road enhances the quality of life and liveability in remote and rural communities. If you can leave- your will stay!
The Outback Highway Development Council Inc. is an Alliance of Councils- Laverton, Ngaanyatjarraku, Alice Springs, Boulia & Winton, relentless in their pursuit of the shared vision- a sealed Outback Way- enables Australian's and Australia to thrive.
26th Feb 2021
Chairman – OHDC Inc. & President Laverton Shire-Patrick Hill – 0419 925371. Winton Mayor Gavin Baskett 0439032150/ Boulia Mayor- Rick Britton-0407122430/ Alice Springs Town Council Mayor-Damien Ryan 0428825392.
Helen Lewis – 0418 785285 General Manager – OHDC Inc.
An online booking system for campsites and for specified overnight walk trails will be introduced effective 1 July 2021. Park
entry fees when implemented will also be able to be paid online.
Fees of $25 per person (adult or child) per night to a maximum
of $125 for the Jatbula Trail in the Nitmiluk National Park, Tabletop Track in the Litchfield National Park, and Larapinta Trail in
the West Macdonnell National Park. Camping fees will apply over and above the walking fee.
Park entry fees are planned
to be introduced during 2022 – 2023, costs yet to be finalised. Northern Territorians will remain exempt from park entry fees. Currently park entry is free to the Northern Territory managed parks. Kakadu and Uluru-Kata Tjuta and federally managed.
Camping fees will rise in stages over the next three years. Reduced fees for children and a set family fee are also included;
full details can be seen on the Department of Environment, Parks and Water Security website.
Campgrounds with minimal facilities
(eg pit toilets only) currently charging $3.30 per person per night, as well as campgrounds with no facilities, will rise to $4 on
1st July 2021, with further rises to $6 for 2022 and $10 in 2023.
Campgrounds with showers and toilets currently charging $6.60 per person per night will rise to
$10 on 1st July 2021, with further rises to $12 for 2022 and $15 in 2023.
3rd March
2021
In exchange for free rent, water and power the Host would be responsible for a variety of duties.
Prior experience is not a necessity, however is desirable. Effective communication skills is a must as the Host will be working with a wide range of the public.
A current Working With Children Check (volunteer at minimum) is required.
Further details relating to the position can be obtained on Molong Showground website
and by contacting Lisa on 0438647741 or email molong.show@gmail.com. Applications close 28th March, 2021.
Molong is located only 35 kilometres from Orange. Molong itself has its own hospital, Doctors / Health Service, Veterinary Clinic, Supermarket, Newsagent, Post Office, Coffee Shops, Museum, Mechanics, Smash Repairer, Massage Clinic, Pool, Bowling Club, RSL, Pubs and many other supporting businesses.
