The Northern Territory Government is undertaking a planning study to realign and upgrade Gunn Point Road and determine its connection to Glyde Point in the north and the Stuart Highway in the south.
Gunn Point Road is the main access to several popular recreational and fishing destinations close to Darwin and Palmerston including Leaders Creek, the Vernon Islands, Saltwater Arm and the lower Adelaide River. Many Territorians and tourists have enjoyed spending time in the Gunn Point area including camping, hunting and riding off-road and four-wheel drive vehicles.
Gunn Point Road also serves a number of quarries that supply the construction industry in the greater Darwin region.
The existing road is unsealed and in poor condition and prone to corrugations, dust and wet season closures due to flooding.
The Northern Territory Government has recognised the increasing popularity of Gunn Point and is upgrading the road as well as realigning the road corridor.
A key driver for this project is the Northern Territory Government’s commitment to Project Sea Dragon, a $1.45 billion prawn aquaculture project that will generate significant economic and employment opportunities for locals.
The planning study will occur across two packages. The first package of the project is to develop a costed design concept for Gunn Point Road that includes realigning, upgrading and sealing the road to a two-way single carriageway from Howard Springs Road to Gunn Point; $40 million has been committed to deliver this work.
The second package of the project will confirm the alignment of the Glyde Point connector road at the southern and northern end of Gunn Point Road. The study will consider:
connections with the existing road network
future transport networks, including a proposed road, rail and services corridor to Glyde Point
future shared pathways and cycle paths
existing traffic conditions
access to adjoining properties
estimated cost of upgrading the road
potential impacts on the environment, residents and the community.
The study will take into account potential future development in the area as outlined in the Darwin Regional Land Use Plan 2015 which earmarks future urban development at Murrumujuk and industry at Glyde Point.
Technical specialist Tonkin Consulting has been commissioned to lead this study and local communications firm, True North Strategic Communication will capture community feedback to inform the concept development for Gunn Point Road and confirm the most appropriate alignment for the Glyde Point connection.
The community and key stakeholders will be consulted as part of the planning study through meetings and a public information display. Consultation for the first stage, specific to Gunn Point Road will run from today until Friday 20 October 2017. This will include a pop-up stall at Coolalinga Central Shopping Centre on Saturday 14 October 2017. Information regarding the second stage of consultation, specific to the Glyde Point connection, will be provided close to the launch date.
To find out more and provide feedback please go to www.dipl.nt.gov.au or contact True North Strategic Communication at truenorth@truenorthcomm.com.au or 8981 6445.
Media: DIPL Media 0437 868 115