QLD-WA Highway

Submitted: Saturday, Jul 15, 2006 at 10:46

ThreadID: 35847 Views:2701 Replies:2 FollowUps:2

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Hunjy

Reading the newspaper this morning and a small article saying that work has commencrd on the QLD to Wa highway (2800Km), which it say's will cross through the simpson desert. Can anyone give truth or fiction to this?
The article (Hewcastle Morning Herald) reads;

The dream of Australia's first explorers is becoming a reality with the start of work on a highway from Queensland to Western Australia. Workers building the Outback Highway face enormous challenges, such as 50-degree heat and scarce water supplies, as the 2800-kilometre road crosses the Simpson Desert.

regards Hunjy

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Reply By: Member - Jon W (QLD) - Saturday, Jul 15, 2006 at 13:11

Saturday, Jul 15, 2006 at 13:11

Hunjy,
I think that may be an error. To my knowledge, the concept is very embryonic at this time. As far as I know, the proposed "highway" is an upgrading of the Great Central Road from Laverton to the Olgas then to Alice Springs utilising the existing hwy and then an upgrade of the Plenty and Donaghue Hwy to Boulia and then to Winton. We travelled the GCR in April heading west. As soon as you cross the border near Docker River, there is a large sign espousing the benefits of the plan.
From Warburton to Laverton it appeared that a lot of effort had gone into building up a firm road base. There were many sections where you could have safely sat on 100 kph or more. I had to keep resisting the temptation and set the cruise control at a leisurely 90 kph as we were towing an unbraked CT.
To my knowledge, the plan has never included the Simpson Desert.
Jon W

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Follow Up By: Member - Doug T (QLD) - Saturday, Jul 15, 2006 at 22:41

Saturday, Jul 15, 2006 at 22:41

Hi Jon
I think/know you have answered the question 100% correct. good one mate

Doug

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Reply By: Bros 1 - Saturday, Jul 15, 2006 at 14:17

Saturday, Jul 15, 2006 at 14:17

Hunjy,
The local paper in Gladstone Q this morning ran the story also. According to the article it was launched last Wednesday at Hearts Range in NT. It says "from the grassy plains of CQ through the hostile Simpson Desert and onto the gold fields of WA".
Cheers,
Bros.