Stuart Highway to get further improvements with federal cash

Dechlan Brennan Published March 25, 2025 at 8.00am (AWST)

politics

The federal government has used the final hours before the budget to announce a $200 million injection into upgrading the Stuart Highway. (Image: Keegan Group)

The federal government has used the final hours before the budget to announce a $200 million injection into upgrading the Stuart Highway.

Spanning 2700 km north to south, the highway is a major lifeline for families, business and communities across the NT and South Australia, with funding going towards the progressive duplication of priority sections between Darwin and Katherine to improve safety and enhance freight movement.

With construction expected to begin in the middle of next year and be finalised in 2028, it takes the government's investment in the Stuart, Victoria, and Barkly Highways to more than $750 million.

Transport Minister Catherine King said the government was "investing in critical freight and transport corridors" with the aim of "building this country's future".

"This will be transformational for both residents and visitors of Darwin and Katherine, making journeys smoother, safer and more enjoyable," she said.

"This is the transport spine of Australia, and we're investing $200 million to get it in good nick."

In a statement, local MP Marion Scrymgour said the "investment in Stuart Highway will ease congestion, increase safety and improve travel times and connectivity across the territory for locals and tourists".

"The Australian Government remains committed to ensuring the future growth and sustainability of remote communities and regional centres across the Northern Territory," Minister Scrymgour said.

A further $58.3 million has been allocated to the Carpentaria Highway Upgrade to allow for improvements on a further 35 kilometres of road.

Being delivered alongside the NT Government, the works will see around 175km of the Carpentaria Highway upgraded, commencing at the Stuart Highway.

"This will improve the efficiency, safety and accessibility of the Carpentaria Highway from the Borroloola township in the east, through the Beetaloo Sub-basin to the Stuart Highway in the west," a government spokesperson said.

It will take the overall federal government commitment to the Carpentaria Highway to $203.3 million, with the government releasing a statement saying their commitment to the NT, under the Infrastructure Investment Program over the next 10 years from 2025-26, is $2.8 billion.