By ERWIN CHLANDA
Work on the “inner Mereenie loop” road west of Alice Springs (Google Earth photo) is “expected to commence in coming months” and “targeted” for completion late this year, according to the Department of Infrastructure.
The 42 km road from Hermannsburg past Gosses Bluff to Glen Helen is expected to be a major boost for the Alice Springs tourism industry because it will provide travel on sealed roads through the iconic West MacDonnell Ranges without backtracking, a boon for people with conventional vehicles, mobile homes and caravans.
The seal was a commitment in the 2012 election but the tenders were not let until December last year.
The job went to Sitzler Brothers to manage and the tender price is $25m.
Tuesday, April 23, 2024
The freedom of the press still furnishes that check upon government which no constitution has ever been able to provide – Chicago Tribune.
Yees, but. The major feature on the Larapinta Drive (Hermannsburg) leg is Palm Valley.
It is not (nor will it ever be) accessible in a conventional vehicle.
I suggest it would make more sense to continue the bitumen on towards Watarrka from Tnorala, where most conventional vehicles would like to go, rather than complete the loop back to Hermannsburg.
I remember the promise being made in the auditorium at St Philip’s at pre-election time. Four years later and it will finally happen.
Glad we all weren’t holding our breaths, but then again, maybe the likes of Glen Helen, Hermannsburg and Wallace Rockhole were.