The Australian Government has started survey and design work for a $106m road infrastructure upgrade project in Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara (APY) Lands region.

The project includes building up and resurfacing of 210km of the main access road between the Stuart Highway and Pukatja (Ernabella), as well as the upgrade works of more than 20km of community roads.

Part of the investment will also go towards building all-weather access roads to airstrips at Pukatja (Ernabella), Umuwa, Kaltjiti (Fregon), Mimili and Marla.

"Improvement in road infrastructure will improve the transport of food and other supplies to the communities in the APY Lands."

The five-year project will be completed under the Regional Partnership Agreement and the Australian Government will be contributing 80% of the project.

The APY Lands is a large aboriginal local government area located in the remote north-western part of south Australia.

A portion of the fund will go towards training and employment for Anangu tribe under employment strategy and a road safety education programme.

Improvement in road infrastructure will improve the transport of food and other supplies to the communities in the APY Lands, as well as improve access to the airstrips for emergency services and enhance the social and economic benefits.

The project is also expected to contribute towards the social and economic growth in the region.

Aerial and ground survey of the road will start from 3 November and a community engagement plan, which will continue through all phases of the project, is being finalised.