Strzelecki Track upgrade and mobile coverage
The Strzelecki Track was identified in the 2019 Australian Infrastructure Audit as a key freight route. It is the only viable land route between Adelaide and the Cooper Basin, and will be increasingly important to service the expanding oil and gas industry in the Cooper and Eromanga basins, and the pastoral industry in the north-east of South Australia. The Audit also recognises that it is an important access route for communities and tourism.
The Strzelecki Track is mostly unsealed and suffers from potholes, corrugation and a lack of drainage.
The road’s condition and alignment reduce travel speed, damage vehicles, cause unpredictable closures due to flooding, and result in road safety risks. The road is not currently suitable for the efficient operation of heavy vehicles.
The proposal proposes to upgrade 426 km of the Strzelecki Track between Lyndhurst and Innamincka, and 26 km of the Adventure Way. This will provide an upgraded connection between South Australia and Queensland. Improvements to mobile phone coverage along the route are also proposed.
The South Australian Government commenced works in October 2020 to seal the first 50 km of the Strzelecki Track, beginning immediately north of Lyndhurst.
Proponent to complete business case development (Stage 3 of Infrastructure Australia’s Assessment Framework).
Refer to Infrastructure Glossary for terms and definitions.