Karratha-Tom Price roadworks to begin in July

The much-anticipated sealing of the next stage of the Karratha to Tom Price road is slated for July, as the State Government reaffirms its funding commitment.

The 2017-18 State budget set aside $50 million to seal the road from the Karratha end into the Millstream-Chichester National Park.

The road seal is seen as critical to attracting a drive-in, drive-out workforce in Karratha from the proposed mine associated with the Balla Balla Infrastructure Project.

Sealing the entire length of the road through to Tom Price is expected to cost more than $300 million.

Regional Development Minister Alannah MacTiernan said the price was in line with what the State Government expected.

The (Federal Government) says they have a bucket of $1.6 billion bucket of money for Northern Australia,” she said.

“Most of these north Australian roads in Queensland and the Northern Territory, the funding is on a basis of 80 per cent Commonwealth, 20 per cent State.

“We have our $50 million up there ready in the Budget, and now we are hoping for the Commonwealth funds.”

Ms MacTiernan said the State Government had made this priority clear at Northern Australia forums for the past year.

North West Central MLA Vince Catania has told the Pilbara News the $50 million commitment was nowhere near enough.