What RAA secured for you in the State Budget
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 billionRAA’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 tunnels will be built to complete the North South Corridor. Image: RAA
2. Increase road maintenance funding
Cash: $160mRAA’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.
The State Government will invest $100m in local infrastructure projects. Image: Getty
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.
A planning study will investigate upgrading Main North Rd. Image: RAA