In 1997 five local governments formed the Outback Highway Development Council (OHDC) to establish a “third strategic link” across central Australia from Laverton WA to Winton QLD, bringing social, economic and cultural benefit.  In 2009 these Councils have been joined by the newly created Central Desert and MacDonnell Shire Councils. 

At the outset the long term aim of the OHDC was for the Outback Way to be – at a minimum – an all-weather gravel road with appropriate signage, traveller amenities, increased usage, a national profile and recognition as a vital link across central Australia. Acknowledgement of the need to link communities, pressures from the agricultural and mining industries to be globally competitiive in challenging economic times has seen a shift toward a push toward the Outback Way  becoming a sealed, all-purpose national highway linking Laverton to Alice Springs to Winton. In the meantime the OHDC invites travellers to enjoy the rugged beauty, environs and outback adventure as they travel across central Australia along the Outback Way.

This website was developed as part of the OHDC’s  ‘Outback Way Integrated Tourism Project’, which was funded by the federal government’s Australian Tourism Development Program. The aim of the project was to enhance the tourism infrastructure and amenity along the Outback Way and help improve the profile, traffic and visitation. We hope you enjoy the improvements.

Chairman of OHDC:

Councilor Patrick Hill, Shire President Laveton Shire Council

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General Manager:     

Ms Jo Molin

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