The GEDC leads the Outback Way Inter-Agency Working Group, tasked with developing a coordinated, whole-of-government Activation Plan to maximise the opportunities of sealing the Outback Way, and managing risk for local communities and the State.
The Outback Way is a majority unsealed, inland road route across Australia, starting at the Great Central Road in Laverton in Western Australia, connecting with Yulara (near Uluru) in the Northern Territory through to Winton in Queensland. The Outback Way project aims to seal the entire length of the road and make it publicly accessible.
Engagement with local communities along the Outback Way is critical to understanding the key issues and the development of the Beyond Roads Activation Plan.
In partnership with the Ngaanyatjarra Council Group, GEDC has undertaken a social impact assessment to understand how local communities might be impacted by the sealing of the road and increase in road usage.
During an on-country visit in June, staff talked to over 90 Yarnangu people, many service providers and long-time residents to inform the Activiation Plan. There will be regular on-country engagements as the project progresses, with a visit planned for July along with Main Roads representatives.
Thank you to the communities of Cosmo-Newberry, Wanarn, Warburton and Warakurna for welcoming our team on-country and for sharing your stories with us.
Read more about the Outback Way here; The Outback Way | Discover Australia’s Heart – Explore Now and the Ngaanyatjarra lands (which are the size of the entire State of Victoria) by visiting the Ngaanyatjarra Council Group website.