Thread: Sealing the Outback Way

Originally Posted by LandyAndy

Where do I put my hand up for a grader steerer job on that contract
Andrew

There could be a job going out there shortly Andy. I pulled up and had a yarn with a grader driver out there (after seeing what sort of a job he was doing I reckoned he had to be an older bloke) and he was telling me that he is about to retire - of similar age to me and I told him that I hope he doesn't as he probably knows more about grading than most of the young fellows these days and I thought he was doing a great job - no gps guided mouldboards out there. Sure enough I came across his younger offsider a few k's down the road and the comparison was like chalk and cheese.

Originally Posted by Bearman

There could be a job going out there shortly Andy. I pulled up and had a yarn with a grader driver out there (after seeing what sort of a job he was doing I reckoned he had to be an older bloke) and he was telling me that he is about to retire - of similar age to me and I told him that I hope he doesn't as he probably knows more about grading than most of the young fellows these days and I thought he was doing a great job - no gps guided mouldboards out there. Sure enough I came across his younger offsider a few k's down the road and the comparison was like chalk and cheese.

Mine is GPS enabled,we don't use it as we haven't got the need or the equipment,it can be hired.
I do have accugrade wich is brilliant.You tell the computer what cross slope you want and it does the best to help you out.
Makes my life oh so easy,dont tell anybody will you!!!!!!
Andrew

Originally Posted by Bearman

That's a good question, but at present there are 2 requirements for permits to travel this road (a public road)
One is from the central land council and the other is from the Wa aboriginal affairs authority. Even the road maps state "permit required" on these roads. Apparently it is because you are traversing aboriginal land and there are certain conditions attached like no driving offroad or camping or fires except on areas nominated. I just recently Travelled from Laverton WA back to Hay Point on this road and was absolutely thrilled at the lack of traffic on the road - no kidding, between Laverton and Alice Springs I only passed approx 6 vehicles and most of them were aboriginals from the local comunities like Docker River - love it!!! Most people I spoke to before travelling this way informed me that no one ever checks travellers for permits and they are a waste of time but someone else told me that that gather statistics from the permit applications to strengthen the case to have the road upgraded. Anyhow I decided to do the right thing and applied online for the permits and just took a photo of them with my phone when the came through in case I got checked anywhere. Didn't stop me camping off the road at night and lighting a camp fire but I did it discreetly and as usual left no mess behind.
I too hope it stays dirt (at least the majority) as this keeps it inaccessible for the small cars and campervans/caravans etc. Nothing like rough/dusty/rocky roads to keep it pristine.!!!!

Actually I meant between Laverton and the Olgas, There were plenty of grey nomads and tourists after that.

Originally Posted by LandyAndy

Where do I put my hand up for a grader steerer job on that contract
Andrew

Hi Andrew.
I came very close to tendering on a design contract to upgrade and seal a 50km section 300km the other side of Laverton earlier in the year. Was going to be a great road trip to do the site inspection on that one . Ended up being a bit too big for me (one man show here) so I left it for the bigger companies to fight it out...

Cheers,
Chris

Originally Posted by LandyAndy

Where do I put my hand up for a grader steerer job on that contract
Andrew

Maybe contact the mayor in the story in the original post?

Originally Posted by Saitch

Why would they be needed? You can get from West to East now through the Centre without permits so there should be no difference?
(Unless it's seen as a money maker by certain people )
Steve

Because you are travelling through Aboriginal Lands. Check your maps of the proposed route.

Originally Posted by Ean Austral

Geez last time I drove the outback way I got overtaken by a Camery towing a trailer at about 110ks . Was like a 3 lane wide highway, only rough section was corrogations near Docker river. Would have seen a dozen 2 wheel drive cars on the section west of Docker river , plus a couple of tour coaches.


Cheers Ean

Exactly correct Ean. We did the Outback Way from Laverton to Alice Springs a few months ago on our way to Arnhem Land, and it was, as you say, like a super highway. Rained from Warburton to the Rock but that made it a bit more interesting. Docker River section was getting sealed as we drove through. It is a nice drive though, lots of wild flowers etc. and it will be another interesting way from the southern parts of WA to the NT and the eastern states.

Originally Posted by cjc_td5

Hi Andrew.
I came very close to tendering on a design contract to upgrade and seal a 50km section 300km the other side of Laverton earlier in the year. Was going to be a great road trip to do the site inspection on that one . Ended up being a bit too big for me (one man show here) so I left it for the bigger companies to fight it out...

Cheers,
Chris

Keep your eye open for the Cape Leveque road sealing job.You will need somebody to assist with that site inspection
Andrew