2 July 2015

The first minor construction works are underway for the Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara (APY) Lands Main Access Road Upgrade Project.

A South Australian company Remote Contracting Specialists is upgrading the section of road from Pukatja (Ernabella) to the local airstrip.

The works include formation and sheeting of the existing road alignment and will also include improvements to the drainage.

The road improvements will provide a range of community benefits and will contribute to national and State Aboriginal Affairs policy objectives.

The government in consultation with the APY Executive Board has committed to ensuring a minimum 30 per cent of the total contract labour hours will be undertaken by local Anangu.

Traffic control measures are in place to ensure the safety of road workers and the travelling public.

Construction is expected to be completed by September 2015, weather permitting.

The Australian Government is providing $85 million towards the project with $21.25 million from the State Government for this five year long $106.25 million dollar upgrade.

Further information on the APY Lands Project is available at www.dpti.sa.gov.au/apylands