APY Lands Road Upgrade Project

Mr HUGHES (Giles) (15:10): My question is to the Minister for Transport and Infrastructure. Minister, what is the progress on the upgrade to the Pukatja airstrip access road?

The Hon. S.C. MULLIGHAN (Lee—Minister for Transport and Infrastructure, Minister Assisting the Minister for Planning, Minister Assisting the Minister for Housing and Urban Development) (15:10): Can I thank the member for Giles for his question and, of course, his interest in this area. I know that the member has been a strong advocate for improved infrastructure in the APY lands for many years, and I have appreciated his strong support for the road upgrades in the APY lands.

I am pleased to advise the house that works have started to upgrade the Pukatja airstrip access road. This project is the first minor construction works contracted to the APY lands' Main Access Road Upgrade Project. As members would be aware, access to airstrips in the APY lands is crucial for the local community; in particular, there is a heavy reliance on air transport for goods and services, especially the Royal Flying Doctor Service.

The upgrade works mean that there will be all-weather access to the airstrip throughout the year. Construction is expected to commence in June, and it is expected to be complete by October this year, weather permitting. I am advised by the Department of Planning, Transport and Infrastructure (DPTI) that traffic control measures will be in place to ensure the safety of road workers and the travelling public. Possible delays may occur during construction periods.

I am also pleased to advise the house that South Australian company Remote Contracting Specialists has been awarded the tender for this project. Importantly, the contractor submitted extensive plans for local Anangu employment for the upgrade of the road. In addition, other communities where roads to local airstrips and community access roads will be upgraded include Umuwa, Mimili and Indulkana.

Tender documentation is currently being prepared for the next stage of construction and sealing works between the Stuart Highway and the Indulkana community. Once completed this section will provide all-weather access to the Stuart Highway and to the Marla airstrip. Work in this area is due to commence in August 2015 and be completed by November of this year. Contracts for the crushing of road base material are also set to be called and awarded in the coming months in preparation for the first major construction works which is programmed for early next calendar year.

The government welcomes the partnership with the commonwealth for this important project for the APY lands. It is a $106 million project with an 80/20 funding split between the two governments. The project is going to significantly improve road infrastructure and employment opportunities for people living and now working on the lands. And, importantly, the South Australian government, in consultation with the APY Executive Board has committed to ensuring that a minimum 30 per cent of the total contract labour hours will be undertaken by local Anangu.

I am advised by DPTI that these targets are currently being met, and it is also a condition of the contracts which will be enforced. I look forward to providing updates to the house as this project progresses.