Construction, which is expected to take five months to complete, is planned to begin about July next year, subject to weather conditions and to the appropriate approvals and funding being obtained. About 130 km in length, the road will cross 83 sand-dunes and will involve 24 Martu trainees in its construction.

The most important task at this time is to obtain funding to build the road. A number of other activities are also being tackled in the ‘construction-ready’ phase. These tasks include: Confirm the management structure for Niminjarra Highway, and establish a project management group. Confirm the final alignment. Undertake an accurate project costing to accurately determine how much funding is required. Complete an on-ground cultural heritage and environmental survey. Complete a hydrogeological study to find out where water sources are along the route. Obtain the environmental and cultural heritage approvals. Confirm arrangements with a road construction company.

Finalise details of trainees who will be involved in building the road and the training rogram. Finalise the construction schedule. The Niminjarra Highway will be a strategically-placed addition to Pilbara nfrastructure, linking communities from Newman to the border - through Jigalong, Parnngurr, Punmu, Kunawarritji, jupiter Well and Kiwirrkurra - and offering easier access and travel conditions between the communities, and access to spectacular scenery in the eastern edge of the National Park. The feasibility study was funded through a grant from the Department of Industry and Resources’ Indigenous Economic Support Scheme, with significant additional levels of support provided by Newcrest. The process has involved extensive consultation, further surveying of the road alignment, and identification of the approvals required, and of potential sources of funding. - Report by Dr Gae Synnott, author of the feasibility study. Above: Punmu. Right: Martu representatives discuss aspects of the project with Dr Gae Synnott. Below, right (from left): Mr John King, State Manager of Cardno BSD, one of Australia’s leading engineering firms, Dr Gae Synnott, an expert on community consultation, and Indigenous Affairs’ Heritage officer Sui Kamid, discuss the proposed route of the Niminjarra Highway.