By Jeremy Rochow
Published: Wednesday, November 11, 2020
The State Budget has been handed down and we’ve dissected it to see where the government is spending money.
The good news is that more than $9.5 billion in funding will be injected into several key projects – including the $8.9 billion completion of the North-South Corridor – helping reduce road trauma and grow tourism in South Australia.
From main street makeovers to renewable energy, here are 12 State Budget requests we’ve lobbied hard for and received.
1. Complete the North-South Corridor
Cash: $8.9 billion
RAA’s request
Complete the North-South Corridor between Tonsley and the River Torrens, reducing congestion for thousands of motorists who use the road every day.
What we’re getting
The State Government announced 2 tunnels will be built, finishing the project.
A 4.5km tunnel will be constructed from Darlington to the South Rd tram overpass, while another will stretch from Sir Donald Bradman Drive to West Thebarton Rd.
A mix of lowered and surface motorways will be constructed to complete the project.
2. Increase road maintenance funding
Cash: $160m
RAA’s request
$160m in road maintenance funding, plus $145m per year for the next 5 years. The aim is to reduce the $750m backlog for road maintenance and investment across the network.
We also requested $20m to reseal metro Adelaide roads.
What we’re getting
One of the most common issues raised by members in RAA’s Report-a-Road Program and Risky Roads Campaign was the condition of road surfaces.
Brighton Rd and sections of Fullarton Rd, Greenhill Rd and Sir Donald Bradman Drive have consistently been identified by our members for poor road surface.
Port Rd, Fullarton Rd, Marion Rd and Anzac Hwy will be resealed.
In total, $160m has been allocated towards fixing some of SA’s worst roads. Fullarton Rd alone is set to receive $6m in road maintenance funding.
3. Set up a Main Street Makeover fund
Cash: $100m + $100m (local governments)
RAA’s request
A $20m Main Street Makeover fund.
What we’re getting
For many regional South Australian towns, main streets are where local business takes place and where tourists spend their money.
With 90% of South Australians saying they’ll take a holiday in regional SA over the next year, it’s vital our regional main streets are enticing to visitors.
In the State Budget, the government announced it would allocate $100m to local infrastructure projects, with every dollar matched by local councils.
The money will fund new libraries, community centres, museums, galleries, pools, roads, park infrastructure, walking and cycling trails.
4. Seal the Strzelecki Track
Cash: $35m + $100m (Federal Government)
RAA’s request
RAA called for the Strzelecki Track to be sealed back in 2016 in the lead up to the Federal Election. This would provide a safe and reliable road-transport link between South Australia and Queensland.
What we’re getting
Earlier this year, the Federal Government committed $100m to sealing the Strzelecki Track. Now, the State Government has secured a further $35m from the Economic and Business Growth Fund.
This will provide $135m towards the total cost of $180m to complete the entire track. The government is looking at other sources to fund the remaining amount.
RAA wants the State Government to finalise funding for sealing the full route.
5. Improve congestion along Main North Rd
Cash: $10m (part of planning studies for key projects)
RAA’s request
RAA has called on the State Government to allocate $20m to determine how widening Main North Rd and providing 3 lanes in each direction will improve traffic flow.
What we’re getting
The proposed upgrade of the Main North Rd, Kings Rd and McIntyre Rd intersection upgrade will include the provision of a third lane between Kesters Rd and McIntyre Rd.
The State Government has allocated $10m to corridor plans for arterial roads including Portrush Rd, Cross Rd, Main North Rd, Brighton Rd, Unley Rd and Payneham Rd.
Studies will focus on improving freight efficiency, public transport, road safety, cycling lanes and congestion at intersections.
6. Consider hydrogen manufacturing in SA
Cash: $4.9m
RAA’s request
The State Government should explore opportunities for establishing a hydrogen manufacturing industry in SA, including refuelling stations and hydrogen vehicle trials.
What we’re getting
The State Government has released plans to establish 3 hydrogen hubs in South Australia at Port Bonython, Port Adelaide and Cape Hardy/Port Spencer.
However, these plans don’t include any projects for fuelling vehicles with hydrogen.
7. Improve public bus services
Cash: $10m (part of planning studies for key projects)
RAA’s request
Expand the Bus Stop Management Plan to improve the safety and efficiency of public transport in SA.
What we’re getting
The government has committed $7m to expand tap-and-go payment facilities to assist passenger travel.
It’s also provided $10m to assist regional passenger bus, taxi and chauffeured vehicle operators, and the taxi industry.
The Department for Infrastructure and Transport (DIT) has started a project to improve the travel times of bus services.
RAA wants this project to be expanded to provide pull-in areas for buses on key routes and upgraded bus stop facilities. This request has been partially met through the State Government’s $10m planning studies.
8. Fix SA’s tourism signage
Cash: $1.5m
RAA’s request
$1m to improve signage for regional tourism hotspots.
What we’re getting
The government will spend $1.5m to install 360 tourism signs across SA, including 85 welcome to region signs and about 270 brown directional signs.
9. Develop cycling/walking trails in SA
Cash: $17m
RAA’s request
RAA wants the State Government to help local councils develop trails to increase SA’s reputation as a cycling destination.
What we’re getting
The State Government will invest $17m into nature-based tourism across the state.
This includes upgrading trails in the Mt Lofty area and spending $3m making the Fleurieu Peninsula a biking and hiking destination.
10. Explore reliable renewable energy for SA
Cash: N/A
RAA’s request
Explore reliable renewable energy opportunities for the state, including energy storage facilities and other grid firming infrastructure.
What we’re getting
In a win, the State Government has signed a new energy supply contract, which will create 800 construction jobs and make electricity cleaner, cheaper and more secure.
The decade-long deal with South Australian company ZEN Energy, will also see the construction of the state’s 5th grid-scale battery.
11. Encourage more electric vehicles on SA roads
Cash: $18.3m
RAA’s request
Get more electric vehicles on SA roads. This could be through investing in electric vehicles for public transport and government cars.
What we’re getting
More than $18m will be invested in a state-wide fast charging network, and the State Government will begin transitioning its vehicle fleet to electric models.
12. Upgrade Fleurieu road networks
Cash: $185m
RAA’s request
Duplicate Victor Harbor Rd to McLaren Vale and improve safety along Victor Harbor Rd between Mt Compass and Victor Harbor.
What we’re getting
The State Government will spend $185m over 5 years on the Fleurieu Connections Improvement Package. This will complement the existing duplication work scheduled to commence on Main South Rd from Seaford to Aldinga, and Victor Harbor Rd to McLaren Vale.
Work will also start on safety improvements, including overtaking lanes and barrier protection, for the section of Victor Harbor Rd south of McLaren Vale.