Outback Way: WA Delays Hold Back Nation’s Longest Shortcut

MR RICK WILSON MP

FEDERAL MEMBER FOR O’CONNOR

22^nd June 2026

Outback Way: WA Delays Hold Back Nation’s Longest Shortcut

Rick Wilson MP, Federal Member for O’Connor, has called out ongoing delays to the Outback Way, in Parliament this week. Warning that bureaucracy is stalling delivery of this nationally significant project.

Linking Laverton in Western Australia to Winton in Queensland, the Outback Way is a critical freight and tourism corridor, with more than $1 billion committed since the 1990s.

While the Queensland corridor is virtually complete and the Northern Territory has made strong progress along the Plenty Highway and tourist routes, such as to Uluru, 732 kilometres in Western Australia remain unfinished.

“Despite $678 million committed in 2022 by the Morrison Government, progress in WA has stalled,” Mr Wilson said.

“Part of the corridor is held up in unresolved land tenure claims, while large portions not subject to Native Title remain untouched - there is simply no excuse.”

He said administrative processes and land tenure issues were being used to justify inaction.

“Native Title is a standard part of infrastructure delivery - it should not be an excuse for delay,” he said.

“This road is vital for supply chains, regional communities and economic growth. It’s time to move beyond stifling bureaucracy and deliver for our Outback communities.”

ENDS

Media contact: Reuben Keyser

  Communications and Community Engagement Adviser

  [email protected]

  (08) 9842 2777

  0455 125 035