Murganella Road works near completion

The final few kilometres of works on Murganella Road are currently being completed as part of Stage Two of the major road project carried out by West Arnhem Regional Council (WARC) in 2018.
WARC was thrilled to have the opportunity to progress with the second stage of the Murganella upgrades which has been funded by the Northern Territory Government’s Regional Economic Infrastructure Fund (REIF) and includes re-sheeting a nominated 25 kilometre stretch of unsealed pavement.
Murganella is a commonly used road which stretches from Three Ways between Maningrida and Gunbalanya, up to the Murganella outstation. Local tourism businesses also rely on this particular road being safe to visitors, and, these upgrades will improve access to Cobourg and Garig Gunak Barlu National Park, benefitting local tourism and potentially opening up further opportunities for economic development in the region.
West Arnhem Regional Council Assets and Projects Manager Clem Beard said continual maintenance of the road is vital for access to the Murganella outstation, residents and visitors of Cobourg and the national park as well as community members of Warruwi and Minjilang, who regularly travel the 101-kilometre road.
Traditional Owner Ralph Blyth said it is great to see improvements to the road, particularly the stretch between Wunyu Beach and Murganella itself.
“I’ve travelled over the road for as long as I can remember and I haven’t seen this much work happen on the road for a long time, and given the opportunity, here’s hoping that this work will continue to improve safe travelling. When we think about it, this is the only main road in and out of Cobourg down to Three Ways,” Ralph said.
“This work is welcomed by the local residents and it gives the opportunity to drive a bit earlier and later in the wet season.”

The works commenced in July and the projects team, which has included 12 local employees at any one time, have worked very hard to reach the current stage of the project.
Clem said the project has also provided great employment and training opportunities for WARC staff from across the region who have been able to gain experience in road construction practices, project delivery, and on-the-job training in a variety of road building activities and machinery operations.
The completion date is currently set for mid-November and, weather permitting, remedial works will be carried out on the remainder of 75 kilometres of road prior to the onset of the wet season.
This second stage of works follows on from upgrades carried out in late 2015 and early 2016 which concentrated on road widening, rebuilding the road surface, replacing sandy sections and re-establishing drainage.
West Arnhem Regional Council wishes to thank the Northern Territory Government and stakeholders who have supported this project in 2018.