SA State Budget 2019-20 to improve safety on regional roads with $1.115bn fund

A significant $1.115 billion is going to be invested by the South Australian Government through the 2019-20 State Budget for the delivery of road projects and infrastructure upgrades.

“The State Liberal Government is injecting in excess of one billion dollars into regional road project and infrastructure upgrades which is part of our commitment to improve road safety, as well as help build regional communities and create jobs.

“This is the single biggest investment in regional roads in South Australia’s history, and a true reflection of the value we place on our regions and saving lives on our roads,” Premier Steven Marshall said.

The record budget will include approximately $878 million of new funding for regional roads and infrastructure to ensure South Australians are safe while travelling on regional roads as well as build regional communities.

This builds on the projects that were included in last year’s State Budget, which includes the $200 million Duplication of Joy Baluch AM Bridge project; the $90 million Port Wakefield Overpass and Highway Duplication project; and the $14.6 million Penola Bypass project.

This year’s State Budget highlights key regional infrastructure projects, including:

$330 million to be spent over eight years for Improving our Regional Roads initiative, which includes:

• $143 million towards road upgrades, including additional overtaking lanes and shoulder sealing
• $92 million for duplication of Victor Harbor Road between Main South Road and McLaren Vale
• $55 million for the Horrocks Highway Corridor
• $14 million to support the relocation of the Thomas Foods Facility
• $14 million towards the Maracoorte and Kroemers Crossing roundabout
• $11 million for increased Dublin Saleyard access
• $1 million to open Bratten Bridge to road trains

$275 million for Roads of Strategic Importance, with projects to include:

• $87.5 million to upgrade Sturt Highway from Renmark to Gawler
• $62.5 million to upgrade the Barrier Highway from Cockburn to Burra
• $125 million to upgrade South Australia’s section of the Eyre Highway from Port Augusta to Perth - including $32 million to upgrade Eyre Peninsula Roads following the closure of the rail line

“Regional South Australia is the backbone of our economy and our exports, and I’m confident that this record investment will unlock further economic potential across a range of industries, from agriculture to mining,” the Premier added.

The billion dollar investment will also allocate $250 million for the Prince Highway Upgrade; $237.1 million for regional road maintenance works for over four years; and $1.8 million for regional and remote airstrips.

In addition, the Government will continue to support the Regional Roads and Infrastructure fund with a $341 million fund for over four years.

“This massive investment to upgrade regional roads across the state will help save lives on our country roads,” Minister for Transport, Infrastructure and Planning Stephan Knoll said.

The South Australian 2019-20 State Budget is set to be released on 18 June 2019.

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Source: Premier of South Australia; SBS News; Blue Mountains Gazette; Eyre Peninsula Tribune