AUSTRALIA’S LONGEST SHORTCUT
From Laverton, Western Australia to Winton, Queensland, via the Northern Territory’s Red Centre -
The Outback Way, carves a well-worn 2700km track through the heart of Australia.
MEDIA STATEMENT
2025 AUSTRALIAN FEDERAL ELECTION
Outback Highway Development Council Calls for Federal Election Commitment to Essential Infrastructure
The Outback Highway Development Council Inc. (OHDC) is urging all political parties to prioritise critical infrastructure investments across the Outback Way in the lead-up to the 2025 federal election. The OHDC is advocating for essential water, power, and communications infrastructure to be made readily available to Outback communities, ensuring equitable access to services that are fundamental to economic growth, safety, and social wellbeing.
“The Outback is home to vibrant communities and industries that contribute significantly to Australia’s economy. However, access to reliable water, power, and communications remains a challenge for many,” said Melanie Forbes, General Manager of OHDC. “These are basic rights that should be available to all Australians, regardless of location. Addressing these gaps is not just a necessity; it’s a responsibility. The recent communications failure in western Qld with the flooding only highlights the desperate need for essential infrastructure throughout Outback Australia.”
The OHDC’s lobbying agenda highlights the transformative impact of infrastructure investment across the Outback Way, the nation's longest shortcut linking Western Australia, the Northern Territory, and Queensland. By improving essential services, the federal government can unlock economic development opportunities, enhance safety for remote residents and travellers, and strengthen community and industry connectivity.
“A sealed Outback Way is only part of the equation. Sustainable development in regional Australia hinges on access to fundamental services,” Forbes added. “We call on all parties to commit to delivering the infrastructure needed to support the long-term development and prosperity of Outback communities and industries.”
With the 2025 federal election on the horizon, the OHDC urges candidates to recognise the Outback’s potential and take decisive action to ensure its people and businesses are supported with the services they need to thrive.
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our story
The Outback Way, when sealed will be Australia’s third transnational east to west road. Originally the vision of Patrick Hill, who in 1997 raised the idea and garnered support from all the Local Councils along the route. This led a motion from the floor of the Australian Local Government Association Conference. A motion that was in essence, to seal the existing roads and create the Outback Way.
The Outback Highway Development Council Inc. was formed in 1998 and the Alliance of Councils has continuously supported the development through both financial and in-kind support. The Organisation continuously lobby’s for the upgrade and promotes the benefits, including tourism that the sealing of the Outback Way will bring.
For the full story of the the first 25years of the Outback Way, head over to our online store and get yourself a copy of Bulldust to Bitumen.
ABC BACKROADS: 2 Episodes filmed on the Outback Way, available for viewing now:
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From across The Outback Way we acknowledge the Koa People, Pitta Pitta People, Kalkadoon People, Yulluna People, Yalarrnga People, Bularnu Waluwarra Wangkayuju People, Wangkamahdla People, Arrente Nation, Anangu People, Yarnangu People, Wankatja People as traditional custodians and recognise any other people or families with connection to the lands.
We acknowledge and respect their continuing culture, their connection to land, waters and community, and the contribution they have made and continue to make to the region that The Outback Way traverses.