THE South Australian Freight Council has welcomed the Prime Minister’s announcement of $328m to accelerate important road upgrades in South Australia.
SAFC executive officer Evan Knapp said this addressed several top priorities outlined in their 20-year State Infrastructure Strategy submission, Moving Freight 2019.
“In particular it addresses the Horrocks Highway – an important regional highway for the transport of grain and other export commodities – which is currently in very poor condition,” Mr Knapp said.
“SAFC also welcomes the re-profiling of ‘Port Augusta to Perth Corridor’ funding – which critically includes money for Eyre Peninsula roads that will face increased heavy vehicle traffic due to the cessation of grain transport by rail in the region. This was our number-2 ‘Urgent’ priority in Moving Freight 2019.”
Mr Knapp said they were also pleased the Darlington Upgrade – part of the North South Corridor, – would be completed on time.”
“In April, SAFC strongly criticised the Commonwealth budget allocations for South Australia over the 2019/20 – 2022/23 budget estimates period, noting a significant drop off in transport infrastructure funding,” he said.
“This announcement is welcome in that it addresses critical infrastructure needs, and provides an improved funding allocation overall which will help maintain a skilled infrastructure construction workforce in SA.”
