Tender awarded for next stage of Stanage Bay Road major sealing works

The tender for Stages 2 and 3 of major sealing works on Stanage Bay Road has been awarded to company Durack Civil Pty Ltd.

The first stage of works (Stage 4) has now been partially completed, with about six kilometres of the total 39.7 kilometre project sealed.

Stages 2 and 3 include sealing 23 kilometres of the road, with the works expected to take eight months to complete. Sections of floodway, drainage and culverts have also been carried out as part of the road’s construction with the floodway tender due for completion later this month.

The $21.6 million project, which is fully-funded through the Australian Government’s Roads of Strategic Importance (ROSI) initiative, involves the upgrade of unsealed sections of Stanage Bay Road to sealed road standard between the Bruce Highway and the Army Access gate.

Mayor Andy Ireland said it was fantastic to see the project progressing to the next stage, marking a significant milestone in the works, which will dramatically improve the safety of the key access route for all users.

“We have seen the growing number of military and associated heavy transport vehicles that frequently traverse this Council maintained road, and completion of this project will provide a nationally recognised ‘fit-for-purpose’ road corridor, appropriate for the scale and volume of these vehicles,” Mayor Ireland said.

“Stanage Bay is a hidden gem in Livingstone Shire, and these major upgrades will be of huge benefit to not only local residents who regularly travel the road, but also visitors who want to enjoy the charming seaside town for its impressive fishing spots and natural scenery.

“Council would like to sincerely thank Member for Capricornia Michelle Landry for her support towards this vital infrastructure project, as well as the Australian Government for its substantial funding contribution.”

Councillor Glenda Mather, Portfolio holder of Transport (Roads, Drainage, Pathways), said increased heavy vehicle traffic usage due to military exercises had placed greater pressure on Stanage Bay Road, the primary northern access route to Shoalwater Bay Training Area and Stanage Bay Township.

“This road is a critical access route for Australian Defence Forces, our primary producers, Stanage Bay Township and Emergency Services and these upgrades will greatly enhance access for all of its users,” Cr Mather said.

“The sealing of the remainder of this section of road will also reduce Council’s ongoing scheduled maintenance.”

Federal Member for Capricornia Michelle Landry said she was pleased to see the tender awarded for Stages 2 and 3 of the major sealing works.

“I lobbied very hard and was ultimately successful at securing $21.6 million at the Federal Election and I’m very happy to see this project reach another significant milestone,” Ms Landry said.

“Stanage Bay Road has a reputation across the region as being particularly troublesome for local graziers, fisherman, and travellers who often have to contend with poor conditions on the road.

“With funding from the Federal Government’s ROSI program, we can help ensure our motorists can travel to Stanage Bay via the Bruce Highway safely and on time.

“I would like to thank Mayor Andy Ireland and Livingstone Shire Council for working constructively with the Federal Government.”

The entire project is expected to be completed by 2023.