Fearless Conversations forum hears new approach to get more trucks off South Eastern Freeway

Upgraded roadworks from Truro have firmed as the best option to get more trucks off the South Eastern Freeway, the Flinders University Fearless Conversations forum has heard.

A new report has endorsed major road upgrades between Murray Bridge and Adelaide’s north to help reduce freight congestion and improve traffic safety.

Mt Barker Mayor Ann Ferguson said the soon-to-be released report by Regiona Development Australia and the Southern Hills Local Government Association recommended investment to get more trucks off the South Eastern Freeway.

“It is paramount that we get freight off the freeway for safety,” Ms Ferguson said.

She was speaking at The Advertiser and Flinders University Fearless Conversation forum on transport and infrastructure.

It is part of 13-week discussion series to promote debate about the big issues facing South Australians, now and into the future.

Transport Department chief executive Tony Braxton-Smith said the state government was already working on projects to upgrade the route between Murray Bridge and Truro, which pending funding could replace the 2018 Globelink plan. That plan, which included an export airport at Monarto and new rail and road link around the Adelaide Hills, would have cost about $7bn.

Traffic banked up on the South Eastern Freeway. Picture: Brenton Edwards

The Liberal Party announced the project in 2017 but dumped it three years later because of its huge costs.

The government has since committed to a $10m business case to develop a Globelink alternative, as well as the $202m Truro bypass which is currently underway.

“Globelink was a concept for a new separate corridor for road and rail freight but a study found the economic benefits were minimal in comparison to the costs,’’ Mr Braxton-Smith said.

“What we should do is upgrade the existing infrastructure (between Melbourne and Adelaide) so a connection from around Murray Bridge to a connection near Truro.”

He said the Truro bypass could then connect to the Port Wakefield and Augusta Highway corridor.

Mr Braxton-Smith said the alternative freight route would ease pressure at the intersection of the South Eastern Freeway and Cross, Portrush and Glen Osmond roads. Ms Ferguson’s call for a train service from Adelaide to Mt Barker was rejected by Mr Braxton-Smith, who said bus services were far better at moving large numbers of people in all but heavily populated areas.

Can transport, major projects help SA bounce back after Covid?

A strong focus on social infrastructure is the key to ensuring South Australia is well-positioned to re-emerge from Covid, support job creation and maintain Adelaide’s reputation as Australia’s most liveable city.

And, while looking to the future, it’s important to reflect and build on past successes, Property Council SA executive director Daniel Gannon said.

“Three years ago, South Australia played host to Land Forces, the biggest exhibition our state has ever held,” Mr Gannon said. “The event resulted in 25,000 bed nights and injected $34 million into the state’s economy. Hotels, restaurants, taxi drivers, and tourism operators all benefited.

“Given last week’s historic Defence announcement, targeting and attracting conventions like Land Forces is paramount and it underscores the importance of this type of modern infrastructure.”

Investing in social infrastructure will also result in more jobs for South Australians. “Social infrastructure creates three times as many jobs as road and rail, which means this type of infrastructure blueprint needs to play a heightened role in job creation in coming years,” Mr Gannon said.

“It is also important that we continue to embrace a low interest rate environment and leverage South Australia’s enviable status as the nation’s most liveable city to supercharge investment in social infrastructure.”

Property Council of Australia South Australia executive director Daniel Gannon. Picture: AAP/Sam Wundke

Social infrastructure is just one of the topics on the table in this week’s Flinders University’s Fearless Conversations series – the fifth in a 13-week campaign in partnership with The Advertiser designed to get people thinking more bravely about some of the big issues facing South Australians in key growth areas and topics.

It is hoped the campaign will create a more fearless approach in driving South Australia forward, both now and for generations to come.

Mr Gannon will join other prominent SA transport and infrastructure voices – Department of Planning, Transport and Infrastructure chief executive Tony Braxton-Smith and Professor Rocco Zito, Flinders University Professor in Civil Engineering – in Wednesday’s 45-minute roundtable hosted by radio broadcaster and Sunday Mail columnist Matthew Abraham. The panel will discuss challenges such as public transport reform, the growth of the Adelaide Hills and the South Rd upgrade.

“Without doubt, completing the North-South corridor and finishing the most difficult section doesn’t come without risk but will equally deliver great reward,” Mr Gannon said.

“To complement this big project, South Australia needs to continue building its population by retaining and attracting companies, workers and families.”

Streamed live every Wednesday from 10.30am, the series encourages the community to join a range of discussions relevant to the future of South Australia. Upcoming subjects – all to be dissected by experts – will include the space industry, entrepreneurship, education, energy and mining and creative industries.

All discussions will be streamed live via advertiser.com.au, with follow-up articles highlighting key issues.

People can submit their own questions to put forward to any of the weekly panels through advertiser.com.au or on Twitter via #FearlessConversations