Mr BURKE - 1994-10-12
The honourable minister is aware that the matter of traffic access to and from Palmerston is of considerable concern to my constituents and those of the member for Palmerston. In order to improve traffic access, the government made a commitment earlier this year to start work on a second access road for Palmerston. This was to be in addition to the recently completed upgrading of access points from Palmerston to the Stuart Highway. What progress has been made on achieving this commitment to provide a second access road?
ANSWER
Mr Speaker, it is terrific to have a Question about a second access road to Palmerston. Only 10 years ago, members on the other side were calling Palmerston a white elephant and accusing the government of wasting money on trying to develop a satellite city. Honourable members will remember the attitude of opposition members to the development of the Town of Palmerston and the attacks they made on the government over allegedly grandiose plans, wasting money etc. It was typical of their approach to everything. However, we went ahead, as we have with most matters affecting the development of the Territory, and we put a great deal of effort, money and faith into the development of Palmerston. As a result, we have a thriving community there now which is growing very rapidly. It is growing to the extent where, prior to the last election, we gave a commitment to develop an alternative access route to Palmerston to cater for the number of people moving in and out on a daily basis.
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As members would know, we have the concept of an extended Tiger Brennan Drive to link Palmerston and Darwin. I am very pleased to announce that tenders close today for the alternative access road for Palmerston which will run from the University Avenue and Elrundie Avenue intersection to join with Wishart Road, crossing Tivendale Road. That tender will close today. It is expected that the work will commence later this month with the bulk of the earthworks and drainage to be completed by December. Paving and sealing works are expected to be completed by early February of next year, but obviously that will depend on the kind of wet season we experience because that will have the ability to impact on that date.
I am advised that the project is being controlled under a partnering arrangement between the Department of Transport and Works and the main contractor. The idea of partnering, which is a new concept, is that it creates a cooperative environment in which expectations and concerns of both government and the head contractor are shared. I suppose they share the wins and also share the losses. When this road is completed, it will link Berrimah Road with Palmerston and, with the development of Tiger Brennan Drive from the Hook Road end to Berrimah, which is the next stage, that will provide a positive link. As well, it will enable the opening up of further areas and that will facilitate further industrial development in the area. This will provide job opportunities. We have heard the Minister for Mines and Energy talking about potential growth in oil and gas if the proving up of these trials comes to fruition. All these things will enable us to look forward to a great future in this area of Australia.
Mr Speaker, I table this map which indicates where the access road will go. It is there for honourable members to see that the government is committed to ensuring the quality of life for people who have made the Top End their home. We do not have a name for this road as yet. We do not know whether it should be called Coulter's Cul-de-Sac or Burke's Boulevard, but I am open to suggestions.
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ANSWER
Mr Speaker, it is terrific to have a Question about a second access road to Palmerston. Only 10 years ago, members on the other side were calling Palmerston a white elephant and accusing the government of wasting money on trying to develop a satellite city. Honourable members will remember the attitude of opposition members to the development of the Town of Palmerston and the attacks they made on the government over allegedly grandiose plans, wasting money etc. It was typical of their approach to everything. However, we went ahead, as we have with most matters affecting the development of the Territory, and we put a great deal of effort, money and faith into the development of Palmerston. As a result, we have a thriving community there now which is growing very rapidly. It is growing to the extent where, prior to the last election, we gave a commitment to develop an alternative access route to Palmerston to cater for the number of people moving in and out on a daily basis.
Page 233
As members would know, we have the concept of an extended Tiger Brennan Drive to link Palmerston and Darwin. I am very pleased to announce that tenders close today for the alternative access road for Palmerston which will run from the University Avenue and Elrundie Avenue intersection to join with Wishart Road, crossing Tivendale Road. That tender will close today. It is expected that the work will commence later this month with the bulk of the earthworks and drainage to be completed by December. Paving and sealing works are expected to be completed by early February of next year, but obviously that will depend on the kind of wet season we experience because that will have the ability to impact on that date.
I am advised that the project is being controlled under a partnering arrangement between the Department of Transport and Works and the main contractor. The idea of partnering, which is a new concept, is that it creates a cooperative environment in which expectations and concerns of both government and the head contractor are shared. I suppose they share the wins and also share the losses. When this road is completed, it will link Berrimah Road with Palmerston and, with the development of Tiger Brennan Drive from the Hook Road end to Berrimah, which is the next stage, that will provide a positive link. As well, it will enable the opening up of further areas and that will facilitate further industrial development in the area. This will provide job opportunities. We have heard the Minister for Mines and Energy talking about potential growth in oil and gas if the proving up of these trials comes to fruition. All these things will enable us to look forward to a great future in this area of Australia.
Mr Speaker, I table this map which indicates where the access road will go. It is there for honourable members to see that the government is committed to ensuring the quality of life for people who have made the Top End their home. We do not have a name for this road as yet. We do not know whether it should be called Coulter's Cul-de-Sac or Burke's Boulevard, but I am open to suggestions.
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Last updated: 09 Aug 2016