Release date: 15/06/23

The Malinauskas Government has maintained its commitment to the North-South Corridor and new Women’s and Children’s Hospital while investing in new infrastructure projects to create jobs and better facilities for South Australians.

The State Budget contains a $21 billion investing program over the next four years – a quarter of that dedicated to completing the 78-kilometre transport corridor.

Outside those major commitments, there is also $40 million to upgrade the Mount Barker roundabout at the intersection of Adelaide, Alexandrina, Wellington and Flaxley Roads, with completion expected by June 2026.

The work will increase capacity from all roads, and include provision of shared use paths, stormwater drainage improvements and installation of street lights. This forms part of the government’s $98 million road safety package.

There is also an additional $55 million over three years from 2022-23, to deliver a new state-of-the-art Adelaide Aquatic Centre. $135 million is allocated for the project which now includes water slides, splash zones and lawned recreation spaces, while significantly increasing the amount of land returned to Park Lands when it opens in the summer of 2025-26.

The budget also provides:

  • $348.9 million over four years for new facilities for Forensic Science SA and the SAPOL Forensic Services Branch;
  • $100.2 million over four years for upgrades at government schools and preschools;
  • $15 million over three years to repair and install improved waterproofing to the Adelaide Railway Station and surrounding plaza;
  • $10.3 million over two years to complete the Patawalonga South gates;
  • $5 million in 2026-27 towards the new SAPOL communications centre;
  • $730 000 in 2023-24 for the redesign and upgrade of the Pathway of Honour.

The budget also includes funding for regional infrastructure projects including:

  • An extra $100.8 million over two years to deliver the new Mount Barker Hospital;
  • $30 million over three years to upgrade prisoner accommodation at Port Augusta
    Prison;
  • $4.6 million over four years to secure and fit out a new Port Augusta Community Corrections Centre.

The government is investing in a more modern public transport system, providing $7million over three years to implement the final Tap and Pay rollout on all Adelaide Metro trains, giving customers the same easy ways to pay already enjoyed on trams and currently being rolled out to all buses.

There is also $8.7 million over five years to introduce a new bus service to improve public transport for residents in Lightsview and Northgate and $2 million in 2023 - 24 
towards the upgrade of pedestrian crossings at the Clarence Park and West Croydon train stations.

$5 million will be spent over two years on land transport infrastructure planning studies.

A $23.5 million investment will also facilitate the continuation of bus services in regional areas including Tatiara, Port Augusta, Kangaroo Island, Port Lincoln, Mid North, Yorke  Peninsula, Riverland, Fleurieu, Eyre Flinders, the South East, Mount Gambier, Northern Adelaide Hills and the Barossa.

Quotes

Attributable to Stephen Mullighan

Infrastructure projects drive our economy and create a pipeline of work for the construction industry which means more jobs for South Australians.

We are investing across the board to ensure South Australians have access to world class facilities.

Attributable to Tom Koutsantonis

An investment in infrastructure and public transport is an investment in jobs, the economy, and people.

These major infrastructure projects will not only create more jobs, but they will improve the lives of South Australians.