SA Govt commits $21bn in State Budget towards infrastructure and jobs

The South Australian Government is investing $21 billion over the next four years to deliver much-needed infrastructure and jobs across the State. 

About a quarter of this significant infrastructure investment – approximately $5.3 billion – is going to be allocated towards the completion of the 78-kilometre North-South Corridor, as part of the $9.9 billion funding for roads and public transport infrastructure. 

The infrastructure budget also includes $2.9 billion for health infrastructure, with $1.2 billion committed to the delivery of the New Women’s and Children’s Hospital. 

The State Budget 2023-24 will also include $2.5 billion for water infrastructure, $802 million for housing and $547 million for education. 

“Infrastructure projects drive our economy and create a pipeline of work for the construction industry which means more jobs for South Australians. 

“We are investing across the board to ensure South Australians have access to world class facilities,” Treasurer Stephen Mullighan MP said. 

Major projects covered by the $21 billion infrastructure spend include: 

• Forensic science facility – future accommodation: $348.9 million over four years for new facilities to support the operations of Forensic Science SA and the SA Police Forensic Services Branch. The purpose-built facility will be equipped to ensure the continued delivery of expert scientific services to the justice system 
• Port Augusta prison upgrades – Bluebush and Greenbush high security units: $30 million over three years to upgrade prisoner accommodation and staff facilities in two high security units at Port Augusta Prison 
• SA Police communications centre: $5 million in 2026-27 to commence works to build a new SA Police communications centre. The new centre will ensure SA Police can continue to respond and coordinate the response to emergencies in a fit-for-purpose building 
• Port Augusta Community Corrections Centre: $4.6 million over four years to secure and fitout a new Port Augusta Community Corrections Centre and support access to culturally appropriate rehabilitation and re-integration programs for Aboriginal offenders 
• Adelaide Aquatic Centre development: $55 million over three years in additional funding to build a new Adelaide Aquatic Centre, bringing the total project funding to $135 million. The new centre will include a range of indoor and outdoor pools, water slides, splash zones, fitness facilities, café and picnic areas 
• SA Aquatic and Leisure Centre upgrade works: $23.5 million over three years for upgrade works at the SA Aquatic and Leisure Centre 
• SA jetties renewal program: $20 million over four years to assist councils to address immediate and critical concerns regarding the condition and sustainability of a number of state jetties 
• Railway station roof repairs: $15 million over three years for a package of repair works to the Adelaide Railway Station and Environs Redevelopment 
• Patawalonga south gates: $10.3 million over two years to complete the replacement of the gate infrastructure of the Patawalonga Lakes system. This brings the total funding to $17.3 million 
• Outback futures: $3 million over four years to support the Outback Communities Authority in delivering improved public facilities and community services 

The Budget also provides $730,000 for the upgrade and redesign of the Pathway of Honour along with an additional $100.8 million over two years for the delivery of the new Mount Barker Hospital. 

The South Australian Government is committed to providing a more modern public transport system, allocating $7 million over three years to implement the final Tap and Pay rollout on all Adelaide Metro trains to give commuters an easy way to pay. 

Other Budget commitments include $8.7 million over five years to introduce a new bus service to improve public transport for Lightsview and Northgate residents as well as $2 million in 2023-24 to upgrade pedestrian crossings at Clarence Park and West Croydon train stations. 

Funding will also be provided for other initiatives, including $5 million over two years for land transport infrastructure planning studies and $23.5 million to facilitate the continuation of bus services in regional areas including Tatiara, Port Augusta, Kangaroo Island, Port Lincoln, Mid North, Yorke Peninsula, Riverland, Fleurieu, Eyre Flinders, the South East, Mount Gambier, Northern Adelaide Hills and the Barossa. 

“An investment in infrastructure and public transport is an investment in jobs, the economy, and people. 

“These major infrastructure projects will not only create more jobs, but they will improve the lives of South Australians,” Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Tom Koutsantonis MP said. 

Source: Government of South Australia – News; Government of South Australia – State Budget 2023-24