Local Aboriginal Business Enterprise, Tiwi Partners Pty Ltd, has been awarded a $28 million contract to upgrade Paru Road on Yermalner (Melville Island).
The Northern Territory government awarded the contract to improve road safety and accessibility on the Tiwi Islands.
Works include upgrading and sealing Paru Road from chainage 4.0 kilometres to chainage 12.3 kilometres, including the barge access road.
A bridge will be constructed over Paru Creek crossing, with a realignment of the road to remove the sharp bend at this location. This will enable a fully sealed road from the Paru barge landing to the Threeways intersection.
Tiwi Partners anticipate that 64 employees will help deliver the project, including 23 Indigenous workers, and four apprentices including two Indigenous apprentices.
Works are scheduled to commence next month and expected to finish by December 2024. Paru Road will remain accessible for the duration of the works.
The road works and the new bridge are part of a $75 million dollar investment by the Territory government, in partnership with the federal government, to upgrade Paru Road, Pickertaramoor Access Road and Pirlangimpi Access Road on Melville Island over a number of years.
Chief Minister Natasha Fyles said the Territory government is creating "a pipeline of work" to keep businesses moving and locals employed.
"Work to seal Paru Road, and the construction of a bridge, will allow for all year access," she said.
"Sealing roads in the Territory means less wear and tear on cars and trucks, it improves safety for road users and opens up the Territory for all Territorians."
Minister for Infrastructure, Planning and Logistics, Eva Lawler said the government is committed to improving infrastructure for all Territorians, and creating jobs for locals.
"Sealing Paru Road, and the barge access road and constructing a new bridge will improve road safety and flood immunity for residents of Melville Island," she said.
"It will also facilitate better access between the communities on Melville and Bathurst Islands, the Tiwi Islands ferry service, businesses and facilities, making it a better place to live, work and visit."
