Multiple major projects delayed in state budget, but not to save money, state government claims

The North-South Rd Corridor wasn’t the only victim in the state budget – from athletic upgrades to ports, several major project have been delayed. See the list here.

Budget analysis has revealed a work slowdown on a series of projects not announced as delayed in the state budget.

The state government announced a delay in delivering a major section of the North-South corridor, which removed $1.1 billion from the four-year forward estimates.

Analysis by the Liberal Party comparing figures with the 2021 budget has forced the government to concede there are others.

The most high-profile is a one-year delay in the launch of cameras able to detect motorists using mobile phones while driving, where a start date of June 2022 was moved to June 2023.

Opposition infrastructure spokesman Vincent Tarzia said he had identified 31 projects delayed for a total of 52.2 years, but these figures were disputed by Transport Minister Tom Koutsantonis.

“This has unleashed a lifetime of delays on South Australians,’’ Mr Tarzia said.

“The latest blowouts follow delays for the North-South Corridor, Flinders Medical Centre upgrade and new Women’s and Children’s Hospital completion.”

But Mr Koutsantonis confirmed only eight projects as well as the mobile phone camera rollout would be delayed.

“The short list of projects that are experiencing minor delays, is due to shortages in materials, which is being experienced across all industries due to the Covid-19 pandemic,’’ he said.

“We are committed to delivering a strong suite of infrastructure projects to support local jobs and our State’s economy.”

There are delayed finish dates from June 2022 to June 2023 for the Adelaide Railway Station upgrade, the Ethelton railway station, Old Murray Bridge refurbishment, Penneshaw and Cape Jervis ports, Port Bonython and jetty refurbishment, and the Port Stanvac Wharf and foreshore works.

There will also be a six-month delay for the athletics stadium renewal and upgrade works, from June 2022 to December 2022.

The Adelaide netball stadium upgrade will be delayed from June 2023 to June 2024.

A state government spokeswoman said Opposition claims were inaccurate and the mobile phone traffic-camera project was delayed because the Liberals had never drafted enabling legislation.

Transport Minister Tom Koutsantonis. Picture: Keryn Stevens

Two other projects have been delayed because the works undertaken were expanded or because of Covid impacts: the Flagstaff Road widening and Main South Rd and Victor Harbor Rd upgrades.

The Advertiser understands of the remaining projects, changed dates in the budget do not reflect delays in completing works, but changes to budget line items being closed sometimes long after completion.

In one example, the duplication of the Joy Baluch Bridge had been completed and it had been opened in May this year.

In budget papers the “completion” date has been changed from June 2023 to June 2025, but this is for works on the old bridge.

Despite extended dates in the budget papers, the government rejected Opposition claims for 19 project delays, with 10 already being operational, and the remainder on target for completion.

The spokeswoman said some of the operational projects had even been opened by Liberal government ministers prior to this year’s state election.

Mr Koutsantonis said many would not be reflected in the date extensions in the budget.

“It’s strange the Liberal Opposition has listed multiple projects as ‘delayed’ when they were opened while they were still in Government,’’ he said.

“The Budget Papers clearly state the projects completion date is not reflected in the final delivery of dollar amounts.

“We are committed to delivering a strong suite of infrastructure projects to support local jobs and our State’s economy.”