The Federal government has announced $395 million in funding to help fast track three key infrastructure projects in South Australia, just days before the budget is set to be handed down by the new Liberal state government.
The Federal government will bring forward earmarked funds towards key projects and will consist of:
- $177 million for the Regency Road to Pym Street project;
- $220 million for electrification of the Gawler rail line; and
- $160 million on the duplication of the Joy Baluch Bridge in Port Augusta.
Premier Steven Marshall said the announcement showed the strong relationship between South Australia and the Federal government.
“When the Federal budget came out, it’s fair to say South Australia didn’t receive as much infrastructure funding as we were hoping for, and we are now seeing the constructive working relationship pay significant dividends for the state,” Marshall said.
“When we went to Canberra earlier this year and we said we don’t think we’ve got enough, they’ve said well you do the work.
“You roll up your sleeves, you present us with the business cases, if you can show us that you can bring forward those projects, then we will fund them, and that is exactly what has happened.
“We’ve been able to accelerate the delivery of this funding to deliver these projects more rapidly, and these key infrastructure projects will support our construction industry, creating more jobs and providing certainty into the future.”
The announcement follows a $90 million Federal funding announcement last week for an overpass at South Australia’s intersection of the Augusta Highway, the Copper Coast highway, and Port Wakefield Road, to help ease traffic congestion and minimise accidents.
Transport and infrastructure minister Stephen Knoll, who Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack credited as a big part of recent developments, said the state government would continue to build on the SA’s infrastructure project pipeline.
“These projects will help grow South Australia’s economy, create more jobs and benefit road and public transport commuters,” Knoll continues.
“The Gawler line electrification project will deliver a better, more reliable and efficient service.”
The three projects have already been costed and are currently in the planning stages.