SA Govt commits $1bn for regional and remote roads upgrade

The South Australian Chamber of Mines & Energy (SACOME) welcomes a $1 billion commitment from the State Government to deliver regional infrastructure projects that will boost connectivity, productivity, and safety on regional and remote roads. 

The upgrades on these roads are critical to the operation and development of the State’s resources sector, allowing for a more connected and sustainable regional South Australia. 

“As the backbone of the State’s economy, the growth of the resources sector is dependent on reliable supply chain routes, safe and efficient transport corridor, and the funding of critical infrastructure to enable greater access to the State’s mineral provinces. 

“South Australia has a road network comprising some 10,000km of road and the maintenance of these roads, particularly regional roads with economic significance, is critical for the safe and efficient supply of goods and services across South Australia,” South Australian Chamber of Mines & Energy CEO Rebecca Knol said. 

Key infrastructure projects that will benefit from this significant funding will include: 

• Augusta Highway Duplication – a 28-kilometre stretch of the highway between Port Wakefield and Lochiel ($260 million) 
• Augusta Highway improvements to four key junctions between Redhill and Winninowie (part of the $190 million Princes Highway Corridor Program) 
• Augusta Highway improvements to two key junctions south of Crystal Brook (part of the $266.3 million Princes Highway Corridor Upgrade) 
• Installation of overtaking lanes on Horrocks Highway between Wilmington and Gawler (part of the $105 million Horrocks Highway Corridor Upgrade) 
• (Olympic Dam Highway repairs following flood damage (part of the $75 million to improve national supply chain resilience) 

The Australian and South Australian Governments will also be contributing a combined $500 million over the next 10 years to upgrade the Stuart, Dukes and Augusta highways. 

“While regional and remote roads are primarily a safety, logistics and efficiency issue for the resource sector, they also impact a wide range of other sectors and communities including pastoralists, freight operators and tourists. 

“As acknowledged by Minister Koutsantonis, our state’s infrastructure is crucial for driving business, creating jobs and keeping South Australia connected. 

“It is vital that the momentum of infrastructure and road maintenance funding is maintained to ensure the improved safety and reliability of supply chain routes for all industries,” Ms Knol said. 

Source: South Australian Chamber of Mines & Energy; Australian Mining; Mining Monthly