SA Budget builds $11.3B infrastructure pipeline

The South Australian 2018-19 Budget has established an $11.3 billion pipeline of projects over the next four years to develop the state’s infrastructure.

This will be a $576 million increase in spending compared with the last budget and will include $3.1 billion in investments into infrastructure for 2018-19.

The Department for Planning, Transport and Infrastructure will deliver $3.4 billion in capital works over the forwards estimates, with major projects including the $354.3 million North-South Corridor Pym Street to Regency Road, the $200 million Joy Baluch AM Bridge and the $615 million Gawler Line Electrification.

Regional Roads and Infrastructure Fund will provide $315 million over the forward estimates, with $305 million invested in the Duplication of Main South Road from Seaford to Aldinga over the next five years and $88.5 million into the Port Wakefield overpass and widening of the Augusta Highway.

Additional investments include the $37 million North Terrace tram right hand turn, the $15 million installation of the Southern Expressway safety screens and security cameras, and the $16.5 million Mitcham Hills road corridor improvements.

Minister for Transport, Infrastructure and Local Government Stephan Knoll said the spend over the new four years will provide industry and workers with a great level of certainty.

“These various projects will help ease traffic congestion, improve our public transport network and provide more efficient and effective freight infrastructure,” Mr Knoll said.

“One of our key infrastructure priorities will be the completion of the North-South Corridor to finish the continuous 78-kilometre corridor between Old Noarlunga and Gawler,” he said.

Industry think tank Infrastructure Partnerships Australia CEO Adrian Dwyer said the budget has delivered a 21 per cent boost to infrastructure spending, with more than $8.6 billion dedicated to new roads, rail, schools and hospitals.

“The funding boost shows that the new Government is serious about building new infrastructure,” Mr Dwyer said.

“State and territory governments right across Australia are fighting the dual challenges of more demand for services and fewer dollars to pay for them.

“This budget lays the right foundations for the state. The challenge now is to sustain this investment in future years and deliver on longer term reform priorities to support continued economic growth,” he said.