Senator the Hon Simon Birmingham

South Australia continues to benefit from the Morrison-Joyce Government’s record infrastructure investment, with $2.8 billion committed to the state’s infrastructure pipeline in this week’s Federal Budget.

As part of our plan for a stronger future, our Government is continuing to invest in projects that create jobs, keep commuters and freight safe and moving, and drive economic growth.

With investments in new and existing infrastructure projects in every state and territory, the Government’s national rolling 10-year infrastructure investment pipeline will increase from $110 billion to over $120 billion, a new record.

Key new projects funded in South Australia in the 2022–23 Budget include:

• $200 million for the Marion Road – Anzac Highway to Cross Road
• $120 million for the Adelaide Hills Productivity and Road Safety Package
• $60 million for the South East Freeway Managed Motorways – Stage 2
• $60 million for the Targeted Investments to Improve National Supply Chain Resilience
• $16 million for the Main South Road Productivity Package

The Budget also includes $2.264 billion in additional funding for the North South Corridor – Torrens to Darlington, $40 million in additional funding for Horrocks Highway Corridor, and $20 million in additional funding for the Marion Road and Sir Donald Bradman Drive Intersection Upgrade.

This brings the Coalition’s total infrastructure investment in South Australia since 2013 to more than $13.7 billion across 95 road and rail infrastructure projects, with 39 projects having been completed in the period.

Australian Government-funded transport infrastructure projects which are currently under construction in South Australia are expected to support around 3,000 jobs over the life of the projects.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the Government’s record infrastructure investment was keeping Australians moving and supporting thousands of local jobs across the country.

“A strong economy means a stronger future,” the Prime Minister said.

“Continuing to provide record future funding for road and rail projects is a key part of our economic plan for the long term to keep our economy strong.

“By investing in these projects we are delivering the infrastructure that the Australian economy needs to grow, to get Australians home sooner and safer, and generate thousands of jobs and new opportunities for small businesses right across the State.

“Australia’s future success relies on a strong economy. Our strong economic recovery is being driven by our record funding for major road projects right across the country.

“Our investment in these infrastructure projects will support more than 2,000 direct and indirect jobs in South Australia over the construction life of these projects, providing certainty and security for businesses and communities across the State.”

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Barnaby Joyce said the Government is building the infrastructure that will make our nation and economy stronger.

“We are investing in projects that will drive the growth of industries that generate the wealth our nation needs to become as strong as possible as quickly as possible,” the Deputy Prime Minister said.

“Getting more commodities to ports and sending them overseas will generate more export income, making our nation wealthier and stronger. Better roads and infrastructure will enable that.”

South Australian Senator and Finance Minister Simon Birmingham said this $2.8 billion funding boost was all about keeping the economic momentum going in South Australia and further improving living standards.

“Headlined with $2.26 billion in funding to finish the North South Corridor, this year’s Federal Budget is packed with funding for critical infrastructure projects that will have flow on effects for local businesses and put thousands of more South Australians in jobs,” Minister Birmingham said.

“South Australia has the fastest growing economy in Australia right now and our Government’s record infrastructure investment continues to help supercharge economic activity right across the state.

“We are delivering crucial funding for city and country roads that will better connect our state and benefit all South Australians as well as our businesses, farmers and tourism industry.

“The stretch of Marion Road that crosses the tramline and Cross Road is one of the worst bottlenecks in Adelaide. The Morrison Government has heard the concerns of commuters, the RAA and businesses and is committing $200 million to save people time, money and frustrations.

“We look forward to working closely with the state government to ensure the effective design and delivery of this project to separate drivers along Marion Road from the disruption of crossing both Cross Road and the tramline in such close proximity.”

Minister for Communications, Urban Infrastructure, Cities and the Arts Paul Fletcher said this investment would support sustainable growth across South Australia.

“This Budget builds on the Coalition’s significant investment in infrastructure across the state including more than $6.8 billion in Adelaide’s North South Corridor - the most significant infrastructure project ever undertaken in South Australia,” Minister Fletcher said.

“Our Government has a strong track record in delivering infrastructure that improves connections, reduces congestion and helps keep Australians moving, particularly across our fast growing urban centres.

“What this means for commuters is less time spent in traffic and more time with loved ones, and the ability to move around more easily for work, which has a positive economic and productivity impact while helping to secure long-term prosperity and liveability.”

For more information on investments in South Australia, visit www.investment.infrastructure.gov.au.